Journal 8- Adaptive Technology

Tools for Communication

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC for short) is considered all forms of communication, excluding oral speech, that are used to communicate the feelings of a person. These feelings include wants, needs, thoughts and ideas. A few examples of AAC are writing, making facial expressions, drawing pictures, or communication aid tools. AAC is used most often by those whose hearing or oral speech is impaired, (asha.org).

No tech tool to aid in the communication process: American Sign Language

American Sign Language is a tool used often both in and outside of the classroom in order to assist special needs students with communication. As a student of American Sign Language, I have seen this tool used nearly every day for two years, and it has proven to have a high success rate. American Sign Language is most often used to enhance communication for deaf or hard of hearing people. It is a language that combines gestures, hand movements and signs, and also facial expressions. This language can be used as a tool for children and adults who have the ability to fully move their hands and arms, and "have adequate fine-motor coordination skills to make fine-grained production distinctions between hand shapes,"(asha.org). With American Sign Languages comes an entire alphabet, and a specific movement, gesture, or hand shape for nearly every word in the dictionary. This language includes grammar so one is able to form complete and comprehensible sentences to anyone who understands the language. ASL can be extremely effective in aiding students who cannot use oral speech, and also who are hearing impaired.

High tech tool to aid in the communication process: ChooseIT Literacy

ChooseIT Literacy is an application that can be easily downloaded to any Apple product to assist special needs students in the communication process. With the help of this application, students can enhance their listening skills, letters, sounds, alphabet, every day words, and more. This high tech device assists students in their literacy skills. It is also available in the form of a CD if an Apple device is not available in the household. Many activities are included in this device, and it is based on a positive reinforcement strategy. This device helps students in communicating how they feel, what they think, or ideas they may have. It also aids in their listening skills, if they are not hearing impaired.

Tools for Accessibility

An input device is any piece of hardware equipment that can provide data and information to a computer. Without input devices, a computer would simply be a screen with no mouse or keyboard. Through use of input devices, a person is able to send a signal and a command to the computer.

Hardware option to assist with accessibility: Loop/Ring Mouse

Input devices such as a keyboard or a mouse are often difficult for special needs students to use because their hands and fingers often slip off. A simple loop has been added to a laptop size mouse in order to assist special needs students in computer accessibility. This input device is a regular mouse, but has an added loop or ring to keep the "clicker finger" in place, which prevents fingers from slipping due to dexterity issues. This hardware device would be helpful in any classroom with students who need assistance in using a mouse for more simple accessibility to the computer.

Software option to assist with accessibility: Click-N-Type Virtual Keyboard

The Click-N-Type Virtual Keyboard is a software used to provide computer accessibility to even those who cannot physically use a keyboard to type. The on screen keyboard can be used by anyone who can control a mouse, touch screen, trackball, joystick, etc. Any program on the computer can be used with this virtual keyboard, so students would be able to more easily type an assignment, project, or essay. This software is also free, so it is extremely accessible for anyone who may be in need of keyboard assistance.

Other useful resources:
Amber
David
Jenny