Journal #8: Adaptive Technology

COMMUNICATION:

 

Augmentative and Alternative Communication, abbreviated AAC,  is any communication method used to supplement or replace speech or writing. It is most commonly used for any person with impairment in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language. Conditions that would require the an AAC method includes congenital impairments such as autism, and acquired conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease. 

A low-tech example of a AAC device is the BIGmack produced by AbleNet. The device is a small recorder with a large button on it that can record up to two minutes of speech. It is as simple as record a message and then play back the recording by using the button at any time. It can also be hooked up to other devices that a person may already be familiar with to improve the using conditions. There are also toys that are made with an adaptor that allow activation of the toy via the BIGmack. For a student who is affected by acquired condition the BIGmack is a great tool to ease them into AAC devices. By using a BIGmack a student can use a prerecorded message in the classroom to gain the attention a teacher, teacher aid, or another student with a simple phrase such as "Can you help me."

A high-tech AAC device is SpringBoard. Produced by Prentke Romich Company, the SpringBoard acts as a replace for communication for a person with a speech impairment. They can select  from a list of pre-programmed words from a touch screen that will then be spoken out loud. At the same time the machine also displays the word as its being said so the user can comprehend what they selected if the person requires such aid. There is also a separate hands free module that can be equipped to the SpringBoard that recognizes selections based on head movement. For a student in a classroom this tool could be used to greatly improve his or her education. The SpringBoard can be used by the student to relay answers to the teacher as well as express questions or concerns the student may have with the information being taught. The device also allows a student to communicate to his or her peers with simple phrases allowing them to feel more connected to the classroom. This is especially important since many special needs students feel as though they are left out in many cases due to their impairments.

ACCESSIBILITY:

 An Input device is tool that allows a user to use a computer with the most commonly used devices being the keyboard and mouse. An special needs student may have a impairment that makes using such tools difficult if not impossible. For such people companies have developed hardware and software to accommodate to their needs.

   

An example of hardware that creates greater accessibility for AAC users is the Q-Talk. This hand-held, mobile computer is a joint project between Q-Talk itd and Samsung. The Q-Talk can be used in a classroom to greatly advance the education of a student who has difficulty using a standard computer setup . It has many different input options to accommodate the user as much as possible. The screen is touch-sensitive and can display a keyboard allowing for easier typing than on a full-size one. It also includes a stylus pen to allow use of the keyboard even if holding a pen is the only option. It also allows much (like the SpringBoard) to communicate for the student. By imputing information it can then replay it verbally. On top of all this it is programmed with many of the common computer programs such as a word processor and a calculator making it an effective tool in many different subjects.

Windbag is a form of AAC software usable by any computer. The program allows students who have confidence in their literary skills to create verbal messages via a computer. This software can be beneficial if a student has access to a computer. Much like the Q-Talk, the Windbag requires the user to input the message they wish to express. To help make the process easier for the student, the software has a large database of programmed messages for quick use. This will reduce the time it takes for a student to communicate thus speeding up the education process.