Equipment Trial
On this page:
- Equipment Trial Options
- How to Trial Equipment
- List of Equipment Available for Trial
Are you wanting to trial equipment?
| Which best describes your situation? | Suggested Action |
| ☑ Yes, I know exactly what I need and I'm experienced with the devices | ► head directly to the Zyteq Trial Application Form |
| ☑ Yes, I think I know what I need but have a few questions | ► please book a Trial Enquiry Call to speak to one of our AT Consultants |
| ☑ Yes, but I'm not sure what devices to trial, or where to start | ► please book a Review Call where together with one of our AT Consultants we can review the current situation and needs and discuss the next steps |
| ☑ I'm not sure yet, but I'd like to discuss the options | ►please |
We are very happy to have a conversation to discuss the next steps to selecting the most suitable technology.
If you would like to talk to someone about trialing a device, please head to our Call Bookings page to book a call.
We view trials as a partnership between the primary clinician, Zyteq AT-Consultatnt and client/patient/participant as part of the evaluation process.
Our Trial Options
The options for trialing equipment are:
24 hour "FEE WAIVED" TRIAL - POP-IN + PICK-UP
- This is for experienced clinicians who want to borrow a device for the day, and can pop into Port Melbourne to pick up one day and return the next.
- Please book a Trial Enquiry Call or email a request to [email protected] to arrange.
- No Trial Application Form needed.
3-DAY "FEE WAIVED" TRIAL
- This is for experienced clinicians who want to borrow a device for a few days.
- Please book a Trial Enquiry Call or complete a Trial Application Form.
2 or 4 weeks PAID TRIAL
- Our 2 and 4 week trials come with our guidance and support, starting with a Trial Preparation Call, and a Trial Set-up Call timed for the equipment arrival.
- There are administrative steps with invoicing, Terms & Conditions to put in place.
- We aim to have equipment available to start within 4 weeks of payment.
- Please book a Review Call to start with a discussion,
- If you know what device you need and have a few questions book a Trial Enquiry Call and/or a complete a Trial Application Form
- You can request a quote from within the Trial Application Form, or request one via email if you are not yet ready to fill in the form.
- A percentage of the hire fee can be credited toward a purchase provided the purchase is made during the hire period or within the time frames specified in the terms and conditions.
For high tech devices available for hire, 50% of the hire fee is creditted towards the purchase when purchased within 6 months of the start date of the hire.
1 to 2 week "FEE WAIVED" TRIAL
- This category replaces the legacy "complimentary" trial category and is an exception to paid trial.
- Please book a Review Call to start with a discussion,
- If you know what device you need and have a few questions book a Trial Enquiry Call and/or a complete a Trial Application Form.
12 Week PAID TRIAL or RENTAL
- If you have had your evaluation period and you know what device is right for you may wish to rent it for an extended period without the intention to purchase. We request that you try the equipment first for a 2 or 4 week paid trial. We can include this as part of your 12 weeks or add it to your 12 weeks.
- You may require an extended trial and we can offer a 12 week trial period. A percentage of the hire fee can be credited toward a purchase provided the purchase is made during the hire period or within the time frames specified in the terms and conditions.
For high tech devices available for hire, 50% of the hire fee is creditted towards the purchase when purchased within 6 months of the start date of the hire. - Please book a Review Call to start with a discussion,
- If you know what device you need and have a few questions book a Trial Enquiry Call and/or a complete a Trial Application Form.
How to trial Zyteq's Electronic Assistive Technology
An important part of choosing the right assistive technology for any individual, is the opportunity to try the equipment. The process of finding the of "best fit" may require comparison between devices, and a thorough evaluation in day to day contexts. Here at Zyteq we recognise this crucial step in the selection process by making many of our assistive technology systems available for short-term trial.
Our trial programs for the high tech devices include support and guidance throughout the evaluation period. Our experience in operating our 'trial program' over many years has highlighted a clear need for additional support to ensure that the evaluation process is positive and successful for the client and the client's team. The definition of 'successful trial' means meeting the goals of the evaluation.
Our aim is to ensure that as the primary clinician or therapist supervising the trial, we support you in all aspects of the trial including:
- When determining which assistive technology to trial, it is important to establish that the systems selected meet the client's requirements, as much as can be determined ahead of the trial.
- It is also useful to discuss and document the aims of the trial at this stage. We can assist with this step by combining our knowledge of the assistive technology with the information about the client's needs, abilities, and requirements.
- The checklist that we have available for use at the end of the trial can be reviewed at this point, as this can also assist with formulating the goals of the evaluation.
- At the time of booking the assistive technology required for trial, we will discuss any preliminary steps to implement prior to the trial.
- Before the equipment is sent out, we will assist with supplying any information, software trials, training and support on software as required.
- We will ensure equipment is received prior to the scheduled appointment with your client in which the device will be introduced. If any assistance is required during this opportunity to familiarise yourself with the equipment we can offer support via phone or in a video call.
- Video Conference call. It may be important to set up the device before seeing the client in some cases. In all cases it will be necessary to know what options are available and how to set up the equipment for different scenarios. We are available to assist with any information or training required so that as the supervising therapist you feel comfortable and confident with the options available.
- Once the device has been introduced to the client, it is usual for more questions to arise. The client may want a different voice; or to know if the device has other functions and so on. These questions may not have been pre-empted in the earlier steps, and we would certainly like to help by ensuring you have all the correct answers to the client's questions; and knowledge of how to set up the device to meet the client's needs and preferences.
- Towards the end of the trial period', you will no doubt be wanting to decide about the assistive technology and its suitability and 'best fit' for this client. We have a checklist to assist you in this process. We are also available to work through this with you over the phone.
Zyteq has a range of equipment available for short-term trial only, for the following purposes:
- to enable a person to try the equipment to see if it is a suitable option
- for support people to experience programming and setting up the device to determine if this process is manageable
- to replace a piece of equipment which is being repaired by Zyteq (subject to availability and not necessarily the identical model). A hire fee applies where trial equipment is to replace equipment being repaired.
- Note: long term trial is not available. Rental for 12 weeks may be a suitable option.
Requirements:
The premise underlying Zyteq's trial equipment, made available through our READY pathway is that the 'trial application' is genuine and made in good faith. By this we mean that the borrower genuinely wishes to fully explore the capabilities of the system borrowed to determine whether it may be the most suitable device for them in conjunction with their clinicians and team. Most of the high tech devices require a "team approach" to ensure successful selection, trial, implementation, ongoing support, updating and trouble-shooting. Although most devices are relatively straight-forward to set-up and support, it has been shown that inadequate support and knowledge may lead to device "abandonment". Hasty device selection, a lack of agreement in goals, lack of knowledge or training in customising software or device setting options may all be factors contributing to device "abandonment". Underlying this situation is often selection of a device which does not best meet the needs, skills and preferences of the user. Selection of an unsuitable device is something we aim to prevent for the benefit of all stakeholders. Where the clinicians are required to write the reports for funding applications so it makes sense that the therapist supervises the trial from start to finish.
When borrowing equipment from Zyteq in the context of a guided evaluation process, we require the contact details for both the customer and a therapist that is supporting them. If this is not possible or desirable then we can discuss alternative trial options to see which best suits the situation for trialling the equipment. Zyteq reserves the right to conclude that a specific equipment request is not appropriate, and a booking request declined. Special conditions apply to the borrowing of the eye gaze systems. These can be discussed at the time of enquiring.
How the Trial Program Operates
- The first step is usually to book a phone call to discuss the options. This is a Review Call where where together with one of our AT Consultants we can review the current situation and needs and discuss the next steps.
- If Trial is the next step then the Trial Application Form will be completed. Our AT consultants can help complete this over the phone, or you can complete in online at your convenience.
- The Trial Applications are reviewed by one of our senior AT Consultants, and once approved the entry is wait-listed.
- If the trial is PAID, quote and invoices are arranged. The next steps are triggered when payment is received.
- For "fee waived" trials there is a wait time and we will keep in touch during this time.
- Terms and Conditions forms are signed by all parties.
- Once everything is in place and the trial is imminent, a Trial Preparation Call takes place. The primary clinician usually books this with us.
- You will be contacted when equipment is ready for dispatch. We will not send out any equipment without confirming that everything is in place.
- You will receive emails requesting that you book a Trial Set-up Call
- Equipment is dispatched and the trial will begin. The trial device will usually be sent using Express Post to a postal address, or occasionally couriered to a street address (overnight or road service if Australia Post is unsuitable) or personally delivered by a Zyteq representative together with a training session if this has been previously arranged.
- For the trial period, initial training is provided in most cases. Ongoing support is available with the Zyteq consultants through our booked call system.
Touch screen/tablet speech generating devices - to ensure that the equipment is used to its greatest benefit during the trial period, we can assist to prepare the communication software ahead of the trial. There are many different sample vocabulary and page sets available “out of the box”. We can also custom set up equipment prior to delivery.
Low cost items:
Low cost products are not available for short-term trial through our usual 'trial program'. Instead we offer them on a 'purchase or return' basis. This means they can be purchased and a new complete kit or item is supplied, and if it is unsuitable it can be returned within 10 days. A refund will be provided less the original freight cost and less any 're-stocking fee' applicable. A re-stocking fee applies if packaging or components require replacing. If the device and accessories are returned in resaleable condition, a refund will be provided less the original freight charge. This provides the opportunity to try the device while having the option to return it if it is unsuitable.
Purchase and Return - equipment can be purchased and returned within a specified time frame (usually 10 days) and refunded (less any handling and re-stocking charges) if not required.
Trialing Software
If the equipment being trialled is based on editable software such as Grid 3 or Mind Express 5 we will discuss with you downloading and installing the software ahead of the trial to any Windows computer. It will be important to select a vocabulary/grid set and carry out any customisations ahead of the trial period. There are instructions for saving Users and Grid Sets for transfer to the trial device. Further amendments and programming can be made once the trial device arrives but the majority of programming should be completed before receiving the equipment. The trial period should be about the application of the device, with preparation being carried out prior to the trial period.
When arranging a trial this will be discussed and remote support sessions booked ahead of the trial as required.
Cost
Cost varies according to which program is being used to trial the equipment.
Hire costs can be viewed at this link.
Needing More than A Trial?
Video Consultation Evaluation - this is the provision of 1 or 2 devices to a clinician to carry out an evaluation with a client, with the assistance of Zyteq clinicians.
Evaluation session costs can be viewed at this link.
Terms of the Trial
The equipment MUST be returned by the agreed return date, and it MUST be either posted by REGISTERED POST or couriered by a reputable courier company or personally delivered to Zyteq in Port Melbourne (by appointment). Please obtain quotes from courier companies especially if you do not have an account. Post is usually more cost effective. After the agreed return date, a period of a few days grace will be given, following which a fee of $100.00 per week will be charged for late return of trial equipment, for 4 weeks, followed by an invoice for the retail value of the item, less any fees paid. If there are any difficulties with operating the equipment during the trial period, or in returning it by the agreed date, the borrower MUST contact Zyteq immediately.
We are now offering a wider range of options for hiring Zyteq Electronic Assistive Technology (E.A.T).
For further information about Equipment trial and hire please head to our Equipment Trial and Hire webpage.
Equipment available for trial
Speech Generating Devices
(Paid Trial Only or apply for "fee waived")
- Grid Pad 12
- Grid Pad 12 with Lumin-i
- Grid Pad 12 with Alea IntelliGaze
- Grid Pad 15
- Grid Pad 15 with Lumin-i
- Grid Pad 15 with Alea IntelliGaze
- Vibe 10
- LightWRITER SL50
- MS Surface Go AAC Bundle (Paid Only)
- MS Surface Pro AAC Bundle (Paid Only)
- MS Surface Pro AAC eye gaze bundle (Paid Only)
- Proxtalker
- ProxPad (with Single Message Kit) (Paid Only)
- Tellus 6
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Tellus i6
Alternative Mice and Joysticks (Paid Trial Only)
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QUHA Zono gyrsosopic mouse (we send out both QUHA Zono 2 and QUHO Zono X together for the one hire fee)
- n-ABLER Pro Joystick
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Ultra Joystick
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Slimline Joystick
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Blueline Joystick
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SimplyWorks Joystick (with compatible receiver)
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n-ABLER Trackball
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n-ABLER Pro Trackball
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SimplyWorks Trackball (with compatible receiver)
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Optimax Trackball
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Orbitrack
Switches (Paid Trial Only)
- Sento MP
- Tink EMG switch
- Brainfingers
- Switch Kit
(all other individual switches are usually only available for trial / hire with an AAC systems or under "sale or return")
Speech Amplifiers
- Zavox Reo (available complimentary trial to Speech Pathologists)
Other Items
Some other items available if required with our major systems e.g. mounts, various cables etc.