Augmentative and Alternative Communication(AAC) is any method of communicating that supplements the ordinary methods of speech and handwriting, where these are impaired.(Miller & Scott, 1998)
Communication
No Tech: Sign Language
This form of communication enables interaction between ordinary methods of speaking with those who are hearing impaired. However, this form of communication requires that the instructor is capable of signing. The language consists of hand movement and body language. With such a language, students who are hearing impaired, are able receive information and instruction just as those who are not.
Nuance is a company that allows students who are physically unable to write or type to communicate through Dragon, a voice recognition program. The voice recognition types what the person verbally says. This allows students with such disabilities the opportunity to develop their communication techniques through writing and spelling. Also, students with such impairments probably cannot normally use technological resources such as the internet or their PC in general, but with Dragon, this is not a problem. The program gives complete control to the user with 99% accuracy("Dragon naturallyspeaking12," 2012). With such proficiency,there is no excuse for students who are physically impaired not to develop technological
and written communication abilities.
Accessibility
An input device takes data -- such as the letters, numbers, and other natural-language symbols that humans conventionally use in reading and writing -- from the user and submits that data to the computer so that it can be processed. Input devices can also be used to convey instructions to the computer, as well as to input data in a variety of formats other than text, such as images, audio, and video.
Hardware: Intel Reader
The Intel Reader is a great mobile device used to convert text images into verbal communication. After taking a pictures of text, the Intel Reader verbally communicates the information to the reader. This tool is used for students who struggle with dyslexia, poor vision, or blindness.With the Intel Reader students would no longer need an assistant to read through such documents. This could be used in the classroom to make instructions, assignments, and assessments accessible to those who normally would stumble with the reading process. Visually impaired students could find independence in their studies and therefore confidence in their educational success.
Software:PowerTalkPowerTalk is a great downloadable software program that assists students who are verbally impaired. The program verbally communicates a presentation as it reads the information off PowerPoint slides. Hidden text attached to each slide can further communicate the information, images, or videos on the slide. This allows students who normally would not be able to communicate in a group setting the abilities to do so. In addition, this software is completely free and easily accessible to all computers and internet compatible classrooms.
References
Dragon naturallyspeaking12. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.nuance.com/dragon/whats-new-version-12/index.htm
Miller, S., & Scott, J. (1998). What is augmentative and alternative communication?. CALL Centre,
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I really like the Intel Reader I wish i could have used one when i was in school. I have Dyslexia and a tool like this would have made school a better experience all around.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with Heriberto, I really like the Intel Reader too. I think it is a great device that can be very beneficial for a wide array of disorders. Devices like these open up so many doors for handicapped students! They can also give students the chance to communicate and express themselves in ways they may not have been able to in the past.
ReplyDeleteIts cool that you mentioned sign languange as your low-tech AAC. I had never thought of it like that, but I guess its the original.
ReplyDeleteHey I hadn't thought about sign language as a no tech communication device! Awesome! Also the Intel Reader is pretty interesting, I didn't realize you could analyze text pictures and have them read. Cool!
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