Journal #9: Adaptive Tecnology (NETS-T 2, 3, 5)

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is different forms of communication to aid persons with impairments to relay thoughts, ideas, or emotions. It is the use of alternate methods to still allow for communication where communication may otherwise be limited or not at all possible. Systems of communication can range from using pictures to using technology-aided devices.

Communication boards are a great low-tech ACC tool. They are boards that contain pictures, letters, or symbols that help express a student’s needs. Language is expressed visibly and thus aids students who have speech impairments. They are low tech because they require no battery assistance; they can be purchased for a fairly low price or can even be made! They can aid in the classroom by assisting in communication between teacher and student and allowing for clarity of a day’s task.

A high-tech tool would be one such as a Lightwriter, a portable text-to-speech device. This tool allows for communication through dual displays; one facing the user, another facing the person who is receiving the message. As students type a message teachers can view that message on a display facing them. Lightwriters have built in memory, which allow for frequently used words to be more easily selected. They are easy to utilize and use rechargeable batteries for continuous use.

Special needs students sometimes need alternatives on how to access a computer; the traditional use of a keyboard and mouse are no longer an option. Their way of inputting information needs assistance, and systems such as voice recognition and touch screens make that process all more achievable.

An innovative alternative to the mouse is the Jouse2, an advanced joystick operated by the mouth. The Jouse2 performs all the tasks of a normal mouse but instead of being maneuvered by hand it can be operated by the chin, cheek, or even tongue. It comes with disposable mouthpieces as well as permanent mouthpieces. It also contains a saliva filter and other tools that allow for hygienic maintenance of the device. The use of an alternate mouse allows for student access to computers by maintaining navigation through minimal action.

 

The software by Dragon, “Naturally Speaking,” has been highly acclaimed to accurately recognize 98-99% of voice patterns of users. It types as you dictate and aids in multiple tasks involving the use of computers; editing documents, emailing, and anything else that can done on a computer. Speech is now the output tool and allows for continued use of a computer with accommodating software.