Communication
Augmented and Alternatuve Communication devices or AAC includes forms of communication that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. Making facial expressions, gestures, symbols, and pictures are examples of how we use AAC. People who have severe communication deficits use augmented devices to help them express themselves and increase social interaction. They might use special augmented aids, such as pictures and symbol communication boards to assist in communicating. Overall, devices such as these also help a person's overall performance and self-esteem.
Lo-Tech Devices
Low-Tech Devices are devices is is any source of technology that requires no power source, such as batteries or electricity. Such devices are picture boards or books that use pictures, symbols, and phrases that help a person communicate.
One example of a low tech device is:
Tech/Speak 6x32 is a great way for students with communication delays. This device helps communicate using pictures and cells. There are varying numbers of cells/pictures for the different levels of need for each student. This device is lightweight and portable which is easy for student use.
This device helps children to communicate wants and needs with others around them. By having pictures to help communicate, they are broadening their ability to interact with other children. Using the tech speak can change a students life dramatically.
Hi tech devices refer to electronic devices that allows storage and retrieval of electronic messages. Many hi tech devices vary depending on the needs of the child. Some devices allows the person to type in information where as other have a voice recognition for those who are not able to type. MP3 player and alpha smarts are two examples of a hi tech device.
Proloquo2Go is an example of hi tech device for people who speaking or can not speak at all. The device has text-to-speech voices, symbols, over 7000 vocabulary with many more options. This is available to be placed on Ipads, Ipods, and Iphones which makes this very user friendly and easily accessible.
Accessibility:
Input device: An input device is a hardware device that sends data to a computer.
One example of a hardware input device is a drawing tablet - A drawing tablet is similar to a white board, except you use a special pen to write on it and it's connected to the computer. Then the word or image you draw can be saved on the computer. This device can assist a student with communicating needs and wants as well as copying notes. For a student who struggles to write with proper legibility, this device give him/her an opportunity to participate in class discussions.
One example of software is Tiger Software Suite 4The Tiger Software Suite 4 makes it easy to get accurate braille translation in seconds. Insert text and graphics within familiar programs such as Word and Excel and translate with the touch of a button. It’s great for users of all skill levels!
The use of this software can help students participate in a least restrictive environment. Students can take the information presented to them and tranlate it to Braille inorder to undesratnd and learn the content.
Hi Greta, I thought your AAC tools were great! I especially liked the drawing tablet that allows the user to "draw" on the computer; I kind of wish I had one :) The Proloquo2go app was also very handy. A user with an iphone (or any apple product) essentially has a tiny computer, so why not use it to aid communication?
ReplyDeleteGood job I love how you found something for a smartphone because I feel like they are taking over the world!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of having the drawing tablet, not only for those with disabilities, but general education classrooms as well. I think that in today's society so many assignments are done electronically that penmanship is becoming less important. Seems like such a great resources, great job!
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