Assistive Technology for Communication

From TeacherLingo

A speech impairment can damper a student's ability to interact with their peers and to learn the topics that are being covered in the classroom. Sometimes students need to be paired up with an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. The augmentative communication systems are used to help students utilize the communication the student has. An Alternative communication system is one in which the oral communication system is bypassed altogether and another form is used.

These devices range from No Tech, Light Tech, and High Tech. The No Tech options are used in the event the student can indicate their needs and wants without the use of a device.

Light-tech devices is a communication system which is designed usually by a staff member at the school and do not require a power source. Communication boards are an example of a light-tech device. These boards show activities that the student will participate in throughout the day. These activities are usually represented by pictures. During the completion of each activity the student can mark each task so they know what to do next. Choice boards are another example of a light-tech device. It is similar to the communication board because student uses pictures to indicate a desired choice activity.

High-tech devices actually require a power source and are usually expensive. An example of such device is the text-to-speech device which allows the student to type words or phrase and the device will essentially speak the word written.

All devices are created to enhance student performance and participation in a general education setting. All the devices should be selected based on the need of the student. No-tech and low-tech devices should be considered first and foremost. An AAC device cannot replace the impact that a teacher can have on the student’s success in communication and language development. Teachers need to encourage students to respond verbally whenever it is most appropriate.

Some links for Keyboards:

• http://store.frogpad.com/merchant2/merchant.mvcScreen=PROD&Store_Code=FrogStore&Product_Code=BLMAC2500R&Category_Code=ALL: The FROGPAD encourages children, in a fun and exciting way, to identify and locate their alphabet. It is also known to assist students in improving their typing ability. The goal of FROGPAD, is that students with physical impairments will be able to type 40 words per minute. It allows students with disabilities to keep up at the pace as their classmates eliminating any feelings of isolation. The keys on the pad are full sized and they are arranged to specifically improve typing skills.
• http://www.keybowl.com/kb/index?page.how: This keyboard removes the barrier between the typical keyboard/mouse combination. People who benefit from this keyboard includes hand and finger injuries, limited fine motor skills, reduced finger function and other cognitive and physical challenges.
• http://www.ergodirect.net/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=366&HS=1: The keyboard can be adjusted to fit three different angles: 20, 30, or 45 degree angles. The three sections can be spaced up to 6" apart
  to meet the specific needs of the individual user.

Some links for AAC devices:

• http://www.words-plus.com: This website provides communication devices that are easy-to-use and portable.
• http://www.dynavoxtech.com : Retailer provider that provides solutions for individuals with communication and learning challenges.

As an educator, I suggest that if your child has a communication disability that you take these websites provided and search the endless possibilities to help assist your child.