Tools for Communication & Tools for Accessibility
Communication
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a term used to describe different resources and tools of communication that individual with a speech or language impairment can use.Often alternative communication can be accomplished through the use of technology and sign language. AAC is used for a temporary aid also by those with congenital impairments such as autism, intellectual impairment, Parkinson's disease and cerebral palsy.
Low-tech communication aids often do not use batteries or electricity. They mainly consist of simple communication boards or books. For example, Elliecards can be used to properly communicate with children who have speech or language impairments. Elliecards (pictured on the left) are small laminated photographs of items students can choice to communicate with their caretakers. Students can properly communicate everyday speech like what food to eat and which activity to teachers in the classroom.
High-tech communication aids often contain storage and retrieval of electronic messages. Sometimes these aids include a speech generating device (SGD) The iPad Communicator is a technology that allows multiple vocabularies , 12,000 communication symbols, and premium HD voices. This device is very similar to the Elliecards, only electronic. The benefit of this device is that it can hold so much more symbols than physical plain cards. The downside is that it is priced from $895.
High-tech communication aids often contain storage and retrieval of electronic messages. Sometimes these aids include a speech generating device (SGD) The iPad Communicator is a technology that allows multiple vocabularies , 12,000 communication symbols, and premium HD voices. This device is very similar to the Elliecards, only electronic. The benefit of this device is that it can hold so much more symbols than physical plain cards. The downside is that it is priced from $895.Accessibility
A input device are tools used to input information on the computer. Some devices that computers accept are a mouse, a keyboard and number pad. Students who have a disability might have difficulties using the input device because of their impairment, so different types of hardware and software were made to make the devices more accessible.
A software used to help speech impaired students is word prediction. This tool analyzes spelling and syntax in order for users to make choices, find words, and complete sentences. In particular, Read & Writes 5.0 by TextHELP works with Windows based applications and standard word processors. In this software users can also add words to the custom dictionary to personalize their vocabulary. Teachers can use this program encourage students to communicate.
Hardware can also be modified to ensure proper communication. Big Keys Plus is an alternative keyboard with a simple layout, large keys and limited punctuation. The keyboard offered orders the keys alphabetical so it is much easier to type. Teachers can use these keyboards to help motivate students to communicate and learn about technology.NETS-T 4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility
Fellow Peers' Blog I Commented:
I like the tools you came up with. I didn't even think about looking into keyboards, I went right to monitors for some reason. I like the software you chose. I think scrabble is an awesome way for kids to learn how to spell while also having fun with it. :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading about the different tools you researched. I too used picture cards as my low-tech communication tool. I found these to be a great, very diverse tool for those with communication impairments. For individuals who cannot afford items such as Elliecards, creating picture cards at home is a simple option as well!
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