Monday, August 6, 2012

Journal 8

Adaptive Technology

Jaehnert, K. (2012). Selecting an augmentative and alternative communication (aac) device for your child. Retrieved from http://affnet.ucp.org/ucp_channeldoc.cfm/1/14/86/86-86/3916 


Communication:

Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC) refers to all forms of communication that enhance or supplement speech and writing. AAC tries to compensate, temporarily or permanently, for significant disabilities affecting speech, language, and writing (Jaehnert 2012).

Fortunately, there are several devices that help aid children through their disabilities and special needs, some are very simple and inexpensive, and others require more technology but also have a broader range of use. Children who cannot express them verbally usually start out with a simpler form of alternative communication such as a board or book. Communication displays can be made of symbols from one of several symbol set libraries, actual objects, photographs of objects or people around them, or even drawings. The child communicates by pointing to the pictures or objects placed on the display."By giving a child the ability to make choices, it reduces frustration and offers a way for the youngster to express him- or herself to others (Jaehnert 2012)". By joining the group Technology for Special Education, I was able to research some basic gadgets that are for sale on the web to assist children with alternative communication. The website called Living Made Easy for Children (click here) has hundreds of devices ranging in price from under $100 for the simple ones to over $5,000 for highly advanced communication tools. 

The first low tech tool I found is called Listen to Me, it is an inexpensive handheld communication device with digital speech output that is battery operated. The device has 12 message buttons, with holders for pictures or symbols, each button has ten seconds of recording time to record the command or request that should be associated with each button. 

On the other hand, if a more advanced AAC device is required for a student they might find a device such as the Tellus Mobi 2, which is a computer-based communication aid for handheld use or mounting on frames or wheelchairs. It is supplied with MindExpress communication software which is described as an easy to use computer program that has everything a speech therapist or teacher needs to create new communication grids and excercises. 
A huge variety of symbols, pictures, speech, music and sounds can be used to make interesting and stimulating methods of communication by the Teachcess website. 

The Tellus Mobi 2 features an integrated voice-call mobile phone, though no phone or plug-in card are needed. It can be operated via its 12 inch color touchscreen, or by single or dual switch scanning. Mobi also features a built in webcam, and Wifi and Bluetooth capabilities.
The standard battery option gives five and a half hours of continuous use, and the optional extra capacity battery gives eight hours continuous use.


Accessibility:

An input device is any piece of computer hardware equipment used to provide data and control signals to a computer. There are several hardware and software options to help with individuals with special needs including keyboards, mice, computers, ergonomics, and switches. Today I want to talk about two devices that I found to be particularly resourceful and something I would love to possess or recommend for my students with special needs.  

The first hardware device I found on the Infogrip website (click here) is called the BAT Keyboard, which is a one-handed, compact input device that replicates all the functions of a full-size keyboard, but with greater efficiency and convenience. The BAT is easy to learn and use. Letters, numbers, commands and macros are simple key combinations, "chords," that you can master in no time. Best of all, the BAT's unique ergonomic design reduces hand strain and fatigue for greater comfort and productivity. The BAT is the ultimate typing solution for persons with physical or visual impairments and is proven to increase productivity when used with graphic or desktop publishing software. 
I decided to include a picture of the left handed key combinations for all my fellow south-paw's so you can have an example of the shorthand you would eventually be able to use with the BAT keyboard. 





The second resource I found that is great for disabled or special needs students would be a software solution called Discover:Screen. The software puts a customizable keyboard on the computer screen. Discover:Screen is ideal for people who physically cannot move their head down to look at a keyboard and then back up to the computer screen. It’s great for people who lose their focus when moving between keyboard and computer screen, too. Use Discover:Screen with a touch screen so users can point to make selections, or use Discover:Screen with a mouse or joystick. Although I found this software on the Infogrip website for purchase, I was also able to find a free on screen keyboard just by searching the web. (click here for the free version!)














4 comments:

  1. Hawley,
    I have seen the discover screen in action and it is amazing how it can open up the world for people with disabilities who would otherwise not be able to communicate. So many people assume that when a person is non-verbal that there are no thoughts inside their mind, this is so not true!!

    Thanksfor your work

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hawley,
    I have seen the discover screen in action and it is amazing how it can open up the world for people with disabilities who would otherwise not be able to communicate. So many people assume that when a person is non-verbal that there are no thoughts inside their mind, this is so not true!!

    Thanksfor your work

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think the BAT Keyboard is a very interesting and useful device which can be used just as a regular full size keyboard. It is great that such devices exist to allow people with physical or visual impairments to have access to technology and its resources.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The Tellus Mobi 2 reminds me of a iPad that can make phone calls. I also thought that the discover screen could provide opportunity to students with dissabilities in the same way that I saw while watching the story on "60 Minutes" about iPads. Both are extremely interactive and engaging.

    ReplyDelete