High Tech Communication Tools:
There are high tech devices available that can allow special needs students to more easily express themselves to others. Alternative and Augmentative Communication devices (AAC) are devices that can help individuals to speak and interact with others. It is the way that these special needs students are able to express themselves to others. An aided augmentative communication system uses the use of an external piece of equipment to communicate messages to others. These high tech devices can help students with special needs to communicate in more ways than ever before. Also, they offer customization and fit each individual students needs.
1. DynaVox Maestro- is a high tech speech output device that gives students with speech and language disabilities the capabilities to express themselves. It is a rectangular device that has a touch screen with different buttons that the user clicks to communicate what they want to say. As a result, the device speaks the desired phrase that the user is prompting it too. The DynaVox can be customized to fit to the needs of the individual student and their ability level. Also, they can create pages based on the information they use on a daily basis.
The DynaVox Maestro includes features such as:
The DynaVox Maestro includes features such as:
- preprogrammed InterAAC pages that can be customized
- enhanced voices that are naturally sounding and clear
- phrase prediction, spell checker and vocabulary clipboard
- WiFi accessible and 9 hours battery life
- easy to use page building features and symbol sets
- choice of symbols, pictures, words or letters on the interface
- many access methods (touch, visual/auditory scanning, headtracking, joystick)
- integrated camera
- sleek and lightweight design
2. Eco2 by Prentke Romich Company: is a high tech device that allows students with speech and language disabilities to have speech output. This device is an AAC device and a Windows 7 based computer in one. It has a 14.1" display which has larger keys that assist those students with visual or motor challenges. There are also many different options you can choose to add on to the device to make it even better. One important tool that comes with the Eco2 is Vocabulary Builder which introduces new vocabulary to the student a little at a time. This will help the student to build on their vocabulary to allow for more effective communication.
The Eco2 has many unique features included. They are:
The Eco2 has many unique features included. They are:
- auditory prompts which help those with visual impairments
- menu driven programs and Windows software programs
- software program Unity (picture sequencing that produces words)
- various voices to choose from
- different access methods (direct selection, single/dual scanning, headpointing, mouse)
- Bluetooth connectivity
- the ability to create and store text
- vocabulary program with the ability to serve as the onscreen keyboard
3. Proloquo2Gby AssistiveWare (iPad app): This application for the iPad is useful for higher functioning students with communication difficulties. It is a speech output program that comes programmed with 14,000 symbols and naturally sounding voices. Teachers can program words into the device that the individual student might need to access and customize the screen based on their needs. This is an award winning device that was includes two research-based vocabulary organizations. It has the ability to customize symbols from beginning communication to full literacy. Also, it includes Core Word which has all of the most commonly used words in English. This can especially be a useful device for students with Autism because most of them are familiar with the iPad and know how to navigate the device.
Its key features are:
Proloque 2 Go Demo Video:
Its key features are:
- two research based vocabulary organizations: Basic Communication and Core Words
- natural sounding text-to-speech voices
- multi-tiered user support
- automatic plural and possessives for nouns
- customizable pages, symbols, folders, buttons, layout
- quick access to recently spoken phrases
- multi-word prediction and 14,000 symbols
Proloque 2 Go Demo Video:
Resources:
AssistiveWare (April 18, 2012). "Getting Started- Introduction
to Proloquo2Go 2." Retrieved March 25, 2013 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRSMgg3rEzs
AssistiveWare (2013). "Proloquo2Go." Retrieved March 25, 2013 from http://www.assistiveware.com/product/proloquo2go
Dell, A.G., Newton, D.A., & Petroff, J.G. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom: Enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Dynavox (2013). "Dynavox Maestro." Retrieved March 25, 2013 from http://www.dynavoxtech.com/products/maestro/
Prentke Romich Company (2013). "ECO2." Retrieved March 25, 2013 from https://store.prentrom.com/product_info.php/cPath/11/products_id/53
AssistiveWare (2013). "Proloquo2Go." Retrieved March 25, 2013 from http://www.assistiveware.com/product/proloquo2go
Dell, A.G., Newton, D.A., & Petroff, J.G. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom: Enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Dynavox (2013). "Dynavox Maestro." Retrieved March 25, 2013 from http://www.dynavoxtech.com/products/maestro/
Prentke Romich Company (2013). "ECO2." Retrieved March 25, 2013 from https://store.prentrom.com/product_info.php/cPath/11/products_id/53