Journal 8: Adaptive Technology

Communication

       When people are unable to communicate with others through speech, they often rely on Augmentative and Adaptive Communication (AAC). According to the American Speech- Language- Hearing Association, AAC includes communication forms other than oral speech that convey thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. AAC systems range in simplicity from very simple, where the only tool needed is the communicator’s body (unaided system) to more complex, where certain technologies are needed for communication to happen (aided system).

       One popular tool that falls low on the technology scale is the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). This system consists of cards or tiles with visuals on them, which are used by the communicator to express what they need/want/feel. In this system, the communicator exchanges picture cards with another person to express themself. The actual exchange of the visual instead of it just being pointed to creates a stronger interaction between the two communicators.

       Another commonly used communication tool is a Voice Output Communication Aid (VOCA). This tool is more technology- based than the PECS system because it relies on a computer device to speak for the differently- abled communicator. The VOCA system is switch based, and with it the computer will speak depending on what its buttons are programmed to communicate for.

Accessibility

       According to Computer Hope, an input device is a hardware device that allows computer users to send information to the computer and interact with it. There are many types of input devices, each serving different functions. Some of these are: audio conversion devices, digital camera/ video, microphones, barcode readers, and keyboards. Input devices can be used to help people with limited fine motor skills so that they can successfully work with computers.

        One hardware input device that helps with computer accessibility is the Roller Plus Trackball. This device serves the purpose of a conventional computer mouse, but it is more easily controlled for people with special needs. The Roller Plus Trackball has a large rolling ball that users touch to control the cursor on the computer. Features of this device include strict up/ down and left/ right movement of the cursor as well as speed options for the cursor. Overall, more control is allotted to the user with this device, and it enables those with fine motor difficulties to use a computer as they wish.

       Software options are also available to help learners of different abilities through the computer. An example of such software is the Clicker 6 program. The Clicker 6 is the latest version of the computer software designed to help learners of all types on the computer, especially learners with specific needs. Clicker 6 is an interactive computer program and contains features specific to dyslexic, speech- impaired, or autistic learners. Clicker 6 creates virtual learning environments thoughtfully designed for everyone to be successful.