Crescendo™

Last updated: 29/01/2025

The Crescendo™ vocabulary is a research-based, generative core + fringe + alphabet vocabulary. It offers three vocabulary levels and 23 pre-programmed grid sizes. The intermediate core and advanced core vocabulary levels provide immediate access to 3900 unique words, with thousands more words pre-categorized in storage. To support motor-planning core words are located in the same spot throughout the pageset to provide quick and consistent access to the most frequently used words. The vocabulary supports bilingual use for various regional variants of English, Spanish, French, and Dutch.

How to access the resource:

The Crescendo™ vocabulary is available as part of AssistiveWare Proloquo2Go

General

Languages

Dutch, French, Spanish, English

Does this vocabulary cost to access?

Vocabulary included in software price

Format

Electronic

Translation Method

‘Fluent’ speaker of the language(s) who has a language based profession e.g. Speech & Language Therapist, Linguist, Language Teacher or similar e.g. a Polish vocabulary that has been created by a fluent Polish speaker who is also a Speech & Language Therapist would meet this criteria

Supplier

AssistiveWare

Software Required

iOS, iPadOS, macOS

Text To Speech

Are voices available in the same language(s) as the vocabulary?

Yes

What voices are available?

Male adult, Female adult, Male child, Female child

Does the system need internet access for the voice to run?

Vocabulary

Is the settings/software menu available in the same language(s) as the vocabulary?

Yes

Does the package support code switching (speaking two or more languages within one sentence/message bar)?

Yes

Can the user switch between languages while staying in the vocabulary package? (E.g via a link on the home page or tool bar etc)

Yes

When the vocabulary was created what features of the language were considered?

For each language, research was carried out to: (a) identify the relevant core words for that language; (b) determine which order core words appear as part of the natural language development for that language; (c) determine the order in which different grammatical forms appear; (d) identify the role of syntax and grammar in conveying meaning in that language. Based on this research, core word order and placement was determined for the home page and other pages for each grid size. Where necessary core words were adapted in accordance with regional language variations. The research was also used to design the Progressive Language order for the that language. Fringe (word choice and symbols) was adapted for each language and region with the help of multiple native speakers to ensure cultural relevance. The objective of all this work was to ensure that irrespective of the language, the vocabulary would be optimized for native speakers of that language.

Is it a Text-only or Symbol + Text vocabulary?

Symbol + Text

Are there written labels on the cells as well as symbols?

Yes

Is it possible to have two labels on the cell with the symbol?

Is it possible to have symbol-only page sets? (i.e no written labels)

Yes

Is there a keyboard available?

Yes

What keyboards are available?

Keyboards in both the language(s) of the vocabulary and English (e.g. an Urdu vocabulary has both an Urdu keyboard and an English keyboard)

Is there a search function/word finder?

Yes

Can you change the skin tone of symbols?

Yes

Can the vocabulary content be personalised for the individual?

Yes

What level of language ability does this package support? (pick the best fit category)

Combining several words together at sentence level and including the correct grammar, such as using the correct verb form, and noun-verb agreement and other features as expected in the language. (to meet this criteria the functioning of the vocabulary must be able to accommodate the language’s sentence structure and grammar).

What topics of conversation does the system support? (choose the best fit category)

Wide range of topics including school topics (children) work/ daily living related vocabulary (adults) and common hobbies/ interests, cultural/ religious practices

Is there a translation function available?