Journal #8- Adaptive Technology

---COMMUNICATION---

 Alternative Communication (AAC):

Alternative Communication (AAC) is used to define forms of communication other than oral speech that are used to express thoughts and ideas.  Pictures, writing, symbols, and gestures can be classified as AAC.  Among the group of people that rely on AAC to express themselves are individuals with severe speech or language problems. 

No/Low-tech:

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a system where students use pictures to communicate.  PECS was designed to aid children with autism who have delays in speech development.  This system of communication works by presenting the child a set of pictures such as foods or toys.  Whenever the child wants one of these items, he or she gives the picture to a communication partner, such as a parent, teacher, or therapist.  Then, the communication partner hands the child the item.  The purpose of PECS is to reinforce communication.  As the child begins to exercises his or her communication skills, the hope is that the child will begin to use natural speech.  It is important to emphasize that the materials used in PECS are very inexpensive.  The communication partner can create PECS’s board by simply obtaining pictures and a board.  The pictures can be self-drawn or printed from online sources.  The fact that an effective PECS program can be created so inexpensively is great because teachers can use it and incorporate it in their classroom.  For instance, PECS can be used in a classroom to aid a student who might suffer from delays in speech in order to enhance communication between student and teacher.  A set of pictures dealing with school topics can be used to expose the student to the school setting. 

High-Tech:

WordPower is a communication tool that aims at improving communication skills for individuals with speech and language disabilities.  This device combines the features of core vocabulary, spelling, and word prediction to communicate the thoughts of the individual.  For instance, it takes advantage of the fact that a core of just 100 words accounts for about 50% of words spoken in everyday conversation.  The core words are categorized, color-coded and alphabetized for easy access by the individual using the product.  It is important to state, that this device is intended for users who are literate, and for those with emerging literacy skills.  Once again, WordPower, although it is a high-tech tool, it can be incorporated in the classroom to enhance the communication between the student and teacher and it will also help the student increase his or her vocabulary.  One great advantage of this tool is that it provides students with the ability to ask questions meaning that if a student has a question he or she can ask it and obtain an answer.

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---ACCESSIBILITY---

Input Devices:

Input devices can be defined as devices that are used to input information into computers such as a keyboard, mouse, or controller.  Inputs as they relate to special education are used to meet the need of students with disabilities to improve their understanding, language skills, or communication skills.

Hardware:

The Keys-U-See is a large print keyboard that is designed for students who have a hard time working with a standard keyboard.  For instance, students who suffer from visual impairment or low vision such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy can greatly benefit from this keyboard.  The keyboard has big and bold 41-point typeface on the keycaps and features high contrast yellow keys with black printing, thus, making it easy to distinguish the letters. It connects to the computer with a USB cable.  Having a keyboard of this nature in a classroom would be great because students who suffer from conditions that impair their vision would be able to use computers and complete the work. 

Software:

ArtikPix is an application that can be downloaded to an iTouch, iPad, or computer that is designed to help children with speech sound delays.  This application works by presenting virtual and interactive flashcards that allow students to practice sounds.  Students are also presented with the option of playing games that allow them to exercise language skills.  Children can use ArtikPix to practice sounds independently, or with an adult.  Obtaining this application would be great for teachers because students with speech problems would be able to use it to practice their skills.  Additionally, since the game is interactive and simple students would be able to engage on it by themselves.