NETS - IV
In this blog post I discussed tools that aid in students with developmental disabilities and impaired motor skills. The devices I found range from hardware to software and low teach to high tech. I discuss each tools importance and abilities.
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.
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