AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) includes all forms of communication (excluding oral speech) that is used to express needs, wants, thoughts, est. The AAC provides these different communication methods to people with significant speech impairments. An AAC aid is a device, electronic or non-electronic, used to communicate by sending out or receiving messages. These devices range from simple communication cards (No/Low-Tech) to speech generating devices (High-Tech).
No/Low-Tech Tool:
A No/Low-Tech Tool generally means that there are no electronic devices involved. These tools can range anywhere from picture cards to family photos. No/Low tech tools are used to communicate by receiving and sending messages. An example of a No/Low-Tech tools is a communication board. The user uses, depending on their level of physical ability, their eye-gaze direction, a lazer pointer, or a head and mouth stick to select words, phrases, pictures, letters, and/or symbols from the communication board to relay a message. In a classroom, this tool can be utilized to allow the student to communicate to the teacher, as well as other students, if they need anything or if they have a question. This tool would help to fill the communication gap that is present when a student has a communication disability.
High-Tech Tools:
A High-Tech Tool is an electronic device that stores and retrieves of electronic messages. These devices can also be known as speech generating devices (SGD) or voice output communication aids (VOCA). These devices vary in weight, size and storage ability depending on the physical ability of the user. An example of a High-Tech tool is Springboard Lite. This communication device is ideal for an individual, adult or child, who is just beginning the augmentative communication process. This tool is also ideal for individuals who have shown achievement using No/Low-Tech tools and are ready for a step up! The Springboard Lite is an easy to use, portable communication device whose communication abilities have the ability to grow along with the user's capabilities. Thus this tool has the ability to serve various individuals with a variety of skill levels and needs. In the classroom, this device can be used to help communication between the teacher and student.
Accessibility:
Alternative input devices replace traditional devices that an individual who can not physically utilize with an alternative device that they are able to use. These alternative devices allow the user to activate a computer using their mouth, breath, eye movement, head, thumb, a single finger or his/her feet.
Hardware:
Alternate input hardware are devices that provide physically restricted individuals the means to access computers using various body movements. One example of an alternative input device is the Quick Glance 3. This device is a replacement mouse designed for Windows 98/XP, which allows its user to move the mouse pointer around the screen using their eye movements. The user is also able to "click" a desired location by blinking their eyes, staring, or using the hardware switch. Various options for mimicking mouse functions provides the user with complete accessibility to all Windows features including dragging, double clicking, and right clicking. In the classroom, this hardware will allow a physically impaired student to participate in classroom activites as well as express needs and feelings to the teacher as well as other students.
Software:
Alternate input software are provides physically restricted individuals the means to access computers in various ways. An example of such a software is the Talking Screen software. This software allows individuals who are non-speaking and non-literate or individuals who prefer to use symbols and pictures to communicate, to communicate what they are feeling and thinking. This is a one of a kind software that offers a easy to use screen that encourages social interaction and promotes literacy. As a result of using this software, many individuals have experienced a dramatic growth in language development. In the classroom, this software will help to stimulate the user's social interaction, buy allowing effective communication.
Classmate's blogs I commented on:
Ana
Lindsey
No/Low-Tech Tool:
A No/Low-Tech Tool generally means that there are no electronic devices involved. These tools can range anywhere from picture cards to family photos. No/Low tech tools are used to communicate by receiving and sending messages. An example of a No/Low-Tech tools is a communication board. The user uses, depending on their level of physical ability, their eye-gaze direction, a lazer pointer, or a head and mouth stick to select words, phrases, pictures, letters, and/or symbols from the communication board to relay a message. In a classroom, this tool can be utilized to allow the student to communicate to the teacher, as well as other students, if they need anything or if they have a question. This tool would help to fill the communication gap that is present when a student has a communication disability.
High-Tech Tools:
A High-Tech Tool is an electronic device that stores and retrieves of electronic messages. These devices can also be known as speech generating devices (SGD) or voice output communication aids (VOCA). These devices vary in weight, size and storage ability depending on the physical ability of the user. An example of a High-Tech tool is Springboard Lite. This communication device is ideal for an individual, adult or child, who is just beginning the augmentative communication process. This tool is also ideal for individuals who have shown achievement using No/Low-Tech tools and are ready for a step up! The Springboard Lite is an easy to use, portable communication device whose communication abilities have the ability to grow along with the user's capabilities. Thus this tool has the ability to serve various individuals with a variety of skill levels and needs. In the classroom, this device can be used to help communication between the teacher and student. Accessibility:
Alternative input devices replace traditional devices that an individual who can not physically utilize with an alternative device that they are able to use. These alternative devices allow the user to activate a computer using their mouth, breath, eye movement, head, thumb, a single finger or his/her feet.
Hardware:
Alternate input hardware are devices that provide physically restricted individuals the means to access computers using various body movements. One example of an alternative input device is the Quick Glance 3. This device is a replacement mouse designed for Windows 98/XP, which allows its user to move the mouse pointer around the screen using their eye movements. The user is also able to "click" a desired location by blinking their eyes, staring, or using the hardware switch. Various options for mimicking mouse functions provides the user with complete accessibility to all Windows features including dragging, double clicking, and right clicking. In the classroom, this hardware will allow a physically impaired student to participate in classroom activites as well as express needs and feelings to the teacher as well as other students. Software:
Alternate input software are provides physically restricted individuals the means to access computers in various ways. An example of such a software is the Talking Screen software. This software allows individuals who are non-speaking and non-literate or individuals who prefer to use symbols and pictures to communicate, to communicate what they are feeling and thinking. This is a one of a kind software that offers a easy to use screen that encourages social interaction and promotes literacy. As a result of using this software, many individuals have experienced a dramatic growth in language development. In the classroom, this software will help to stimulate the user's social interaction, buy allowing effective communication. Classmate's blogs I commented on:
Ana
Lindsey
I thought the tools you found were very interesting! I think it's amazing that there are so many different technical and non-technical items out there to assist children and adults with disabilities. It definitely shows in your post that physically having a visual picture for a child can really help them with their communication!
ReplyDeleteI have heard about computer software that reads eye movements but never knew it was called Quick Glance 3. Its amazing that a disabled student can operate a computer without having to use a keyboard or mouse. Thanks for sharing your research!
ReplyDeleteGreat job with this assignment Angela! I think the most basic communication board can be so helpful in classrooms with students who are not able to communicate. For most of us we want to teach elementary school and these are all great devices we could hopefully incorporate into the classroom.
ReplyDeleteThis was an interesting post I really enjoyed reading it and it also helped me get a start on mine. I will keep this information in mind next time I am in a classroom where a child is in need or uses AAC.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post you made it interesting and it really allowed me to get a real understanding on what AAC really is. Thanks and great job.
ReplyDelete