Journal 8

Journal 8: Adaptive Technology

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Retrieved from http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/AAC/

Communication:
Augmentative and Alternative communication, AAC, refers to all forms of communication, other than oral speech, that are used to express needs, thoughts, wants, and ideas. We all use AAC when we make facial expressions or gestures, use pictures or symbols. However, people who have severe speech or language problems rely on AAC to supplement existing speech or to replace speech that is not functional. Fortunately, there are many products that have been created in order to adapt to the values of those people whom rely on AAC. The products highlight the two most important values to people who rely on AAC which is; saying exactly what they want to say and saying it as fast as they can. There are different forms of AAC, unaided AAC, aided AAC, low-tech, and high-tech. Unaided AAC systems are those that don’t require external tools like vocalizations, gestures, or hand and face expressions. Aided AAC is a device, electronic or not, that is used to receive messages. Low-tech communication aids are those devices that do not need batteries or electricity for the electronics. The high-tech, on the other hand, permit electronic messages and communication with speech output. Optimal communication and maximum potential is what is expected from the AAC.


The first low-tech product is called a Readingpen TS. It is a hand-held portable reading assistant. This tool is ideal for anyone in need of comprehensive English Language support and is especially helpful for students who have dyslexia or any other reading difficulties. This is an easy-to- use tool that allows students to enter any word and have it defined, translated, or spoken. It’s also a classroom-friendly tool because of the educational word games that are available on it. The built in word games increase student’s vocabulary and provides in-depth reading support for these students who have difficulty.

 A high-tech product I researched is the orbiTouch. This instrument is a keyless keyboard with an integrated mouse that utilizes the hands and arms instead of using the fingers to type. It is especially a good tool for those students who have autism. Traditional keyboards can be confusing and difficult to use; the patented design eliminates finger motion and reduces wrist motion as well. Since autistic kids are visual learners, this color-coded keyboard is a perfect solution for autistic students and their typing.

Accessibility:
An input device is any hardware device that sends data to the computer. Without these input devices, a computer would only be display device and users would not be able to interact with it. There are many options when it comes to choosing a hardware and software option for special needs students. However, I found these two the most exciting and resourceful for those students with special needs.

There are many software tools out for students who need technology that can assist them in a resourceful way. I found a great software called, Kidspiration. Kidspiration is used to support emerging readers and writers. This is a perfect tool because it provides over 75 already made activities that allow children to express themselves visually and recognize the connections between words and meanings. I found this to be a great tool for dyslexic children because the program is comprised of pictures and some words. The visual tools on this program are especially important to those students who learn visually.

The Euro Braille esys Braille keyboard is a great hardware tool that can be used for typing, navigation, and other computer programs. This tool is very resourceful for students who are visually impaired because the keyboard is Braille. However, it isn’t your average Braille keyboard, this keyboard has the power to connect to the computer, PDA, and even a mobile phone. This tool can be easily be used in the classroom because it has much battery life and it can be used as a note taker. It is a extremely useful tool for students with disabilites because of its Braille keyboard, connections, and compatibility.