DynaVox
| Company type | Private (subsidiary) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Assistive technology, Speech generating devices |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Founder | Gary Kiliany, Mark Friedman, Tilden Bennett |
| Headquarters | Danderyd , Sweden |
Area served | Worldwide (including offices in Pittsburgh, Norway, Germany, France, UK, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan) |
| Products | Speech generating devices (Xpress, Tango, Maestro, V+, VMax+, M³), InterAACt communication software, EyeMax eye tracking device |
| Parent | Tobii |
Tobii Dynavox is a Swedish company specializing in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of speech generating devices. Its headquarters are located in Danderyd, Sweden, and it maintains offices across Pittsburgh, Norway, Germany, France, the UK, China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Established in 1983, the firm creates speech communication tools and specialized educational software aimed at supporting individuals facing challenges with speech, language, and learning.
History
Originally founded in 1983 under the name Sentient Systems Technology, Inc. by Gary Kiliany, Mark Friedman, and Tilden Bennett, the company’s inaugural product was the EyeTyper. This device was developed at Carnegie Mellon University to assist a woman living with cerebral palsy in communicating by enabling users to spell out messages through eye movements that were then vocalized via a synthesized voice. The patent for this technology was sold to the US Navy, with proceeds reinvested into advancing communication technologies.
In 1991, the company introduced its first product under the DynaVox brand—the pioneering speech-generating device incorporating touchscreen technology. Following its acquisition by Sunrise Medical Inc. in 1998, the firm was renamed DynaVox Systems Inc. before eventually becoming independent once again. Between 2004 and 2010, DynaVox grew through several acquisitions including Enkidu Research Inc., Mayer-Johnson, BlinkTwice (which added the Tango AAC device), and Eye Response Technologies.
DynaVox became a publicly traded company in 2010; however, its stock value dropped considerably during 2011–2012, leading to a Nasdaq warning due to failure to maintain minimum bid price requirements. Consequently, it was delisted from Nasdaq in April 2013 and began trading on OTCQB under the ticker symbol DVOX.
On May 22, 2014, Tobii acquired DynaVox and incorporated it into its Assisted Technology division, rebranding the entity as Tobii Dynavox LLC. The company’s US operations continue to be headquartered in Pittsburgh.
In 2022, Tobii Dynavox formed a partnership with Sogou aimed at improving accessibility solutions for individuals with disabilities in China.
Product scope
DynaVox’s devices are designed to assist people who struggle to communicate effectively due to cognitive, linguistic, or physical impairments. According to the 2005 US disability census, over 16 million Americans aged 15 and older experience cognitive disorders, while approximately 35 million live with severe disabilities.
The company manufactures touchscreen tablet-style devices operating on Microsoft Windows and running proprietary InterAACt communication software. This platform offers hierarchical vocabulary pages customized for various situations to optimize communication efficiency for users.
Speech generating devices
DynaVox’s product lineup includes compact models like the 'Xpress' and child-oriented devices such as the 'Tango'. The most recent model, Maestro, along with previous versions including V+, VMax+, and M³, supports multiple communication methods such as cellular phone functions, text messaging, and e-mail capabilities. The larger Vmax model is tailored for wheelchair users and individuals with visual impairments. All devices incorporate diverse access options designed to accommodate users with limited motor skills. The M³ model shares a similar form factor with the V+ but is equipped with prerecorded messages tailored for users who have limited literacy skills.
Access systems
DynaVox introduced the EyeMax device, which allows individuals with limited motor abilities to operate equipment through eye tracking, thereby enhancing accessibility and broadening the potential user base.