Journal #8: Adaptive Technology

Communication

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, which is a term used for tools and electronic devices that help individuals who are reluctant or incapable of using their own voice. These tools aid and assist those individuals, by encouraging and maintaining social interaction, as well as developing and instilling maximum independence in a virtual environment. There are AAC tools that are high-tech and low-tech.

High-tech tools are electronic or battery operated devices that are capable of storing information and retrieving messages. One high-tech AAC device that I find very useful is the Dynavox Maestro, costing around $975. The Maestro is a speech-generating device that offers multiple functions for virtual and auditory communication. This device offers communication through a cell phone, text messaging, and e-mail. This product also helps improve language acquisition skills and language development by having vocabulary ranging across many topics and themes. The best part about the Maestro is that is has a large variety of communication pages for mostly every age group. Their communication pages range from young children to adults (ages 2-50+). One way that the Maestro could be used in the classroom is by using this tool to build students’ language acquisition and development. This tool works by selecting a tile that has a Mayer-Johnson symbol that gives students a visual meaning behind a written word. Incorporating this tool in with language development, sentence structuring, vocab, and spelling, will really help with those students that lack verbal communication abilities and skills.

The next tool that I found is a low-tech tool called the Mayer-Johnson GoTalk 4+. Low-tech tools are simple aids that do not require a power outlet and are often battery operated. The GoTalk 4+ cost around $180 and is a lightweight communication tool. It can hold up to about 4.5 minutes of recorded information and is good for basic communication. I can use this tool in the classroom and incorporate it while on field trips as well as recess and lunch breaks because of its great portability. This tool can aid students in basic communication needs, like communicating if they need to use the restroom or saying hello to someone.

 Accessibility 

Input devices enable individuals with special needs the accessibility to a computer or electronic device. One hardware input device that has the ability to make controlling a computer easier for those with moderate to sever motor development issues is the Roller Plus Joystick by Traxsys Input Products, costing $389. This device is designed to act as a computer mouse. This product uses a joystick to move the cursor up/down and left/right, as well as a speed control key. The device can be modified to fit each individuals needs. The joystick replaces the roller ball in a mouse, making it easier for those with motor impairments. I can use this device in the classroom when using computers. This device will aid in computer navigation and allow each student to gain independence when working with a computer. The joystick input device will be used in all computer assignments.

 A software input device that will be very useful in the classroom is the ProxTalker by Marblesoft. This device allows students to take photos using a iPad or iPhone, label or add text to the photos, arrange and organize the photos based on categories, as well as print those pages and photos or share those pages online. This device also allows students to add SoundTags to their photos using the talking device. This product can be used in the classroom when researching topics of interest and creating and incorporating vocab assignments. Only costing $29.99 at the Apple App Store, this product is a cost effective device that can aid in education instruction.