Communication:
Augmentative
and alternative communication (AAC) includes all forms of communication (other
than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas.
A
high tech device that can assist special needs students is the DynaVox Vmax+,
this device is appropriate for students who require a large, and clear display
that can be seen both in and outdoors.
Also for those students who require eye tracking to access their
communication device. It is for students
who are learning or have mastered language, literacy, and communication
skills. Lastly, for those students who
need a device that can be mounted on a wheelchair. This device offers powerful communication for
students with special needs in many ways.
The comprehensive, InterAACt, supports successful everyday communication
as well as language and literacy development and use. It also provides the right words for the
right situation. It has options for
students to use such as symbols, photos, words, or letters, exclusively or in
combination. It organizes vocabulary
consistently across communication pages to make it easy to compose messages
quickly. This device can easily be
incorporated in class for students with special needs. It is easy to use and it has a lot of great
accessories and programs that can benefit both the student and the teacher
because they will be able to communicate successfully. 
A low-tech device that can assist special needs students is the
FL4SH. This device can be activated by direct selection,
with one or two switches, or by connecting one switch for each message
location. It includes three scan modes,
including Automatic Scan, Step Scan and Two-Switch Step Scan. Auditory scanning
options are accessed by the touch of a button, with your choice of message,
prompt or beep feedback. It can be adapted to a
variety of situations, both in and out of the classroom, or an AAC professional
looking for a versatile assessment tool, FL4SH offers the functions you need
and the features you want. It includes activities
for educators and students and a simple tutorial to get you up and running in
less than five minutes.
Accessibility:
Input device: A
device that can be used to insert data into a computer or other computational
device.
A high tech
input device I found was the Dragon Naturally Speaking. This device allows students to speak to a
computer normally with continuous speech. Students are also able to launch
programs by voice and switch between applications simply by speaking. Students are able to speak to a computer
without pausing between words at a pace of up to 160 words per minute. They are
able to state commands to create, edit, and format any word or phrase. This
device has spelling, pronunciation, context recognition, and word usage
information for 250,000 words. It also
quickly learns most individual pronunciations, dialects, and accents. You can
also create and send e-mail by voice or listen to your messages as they are
read aloud.
A low tech input
device I found was the BAT Keyboard, which is a
one-handed, compact input device that replicates all the functions of a
full-size keyboard, but with greater efficiency and convenience. The BAT makes
it easier to make and learn letters, numbers, and commands. It also has a unique ergonomic design that reduces
hand strain and fatigue for greater comfort and productivity.
This are the blogs of my peers that I visited:
I love the FL4SH and the BAT seems really simple and easy to learn. The Dragon sounds amazing and anything from Dynavox surely is.
ReplyDeleteAlma, I really enjoyed reading about these interesting device. I didi not know these type of devices existed.
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