Computer Access and Augmentative Communication
Jill Ethridge, OTR/LJanie Cirlot-New, M.S., CCC/SLP
National AgrAbility WorkshopJackson, MS
November 14, 2006
What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?
the supplementation or replacement of speech and/or writing– Aided communication– Unaided communication
Who uses AAC?Individuals with:
• Cerebral palsy• Autism• Developmental
apraxia of speech• Mental retardation
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Multiple sclerosis• Traumatic brain injury• Stroke
Benefits of AAC…
• Independence
• Control
• Social Inclusion
• Community Participation
• Employment
• Academic achievement
AAC Evaluation
• Multidisciplinary Team
• Client’s goals and objectives
• Client’s functional abilities
• Family/Caregiver
AAC Systems
• Low Tech– Alphabet boards– Topic boards– Tech/Four– Partner/Four– Tech/Talk– Tech/Speak– Leo– Go Talk
• High Tech– DV4– MT4– DynaWrite– Pathfinder– Vantage– Vanguard– Mini Merc– Tech Touch
Funding
• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Private insurance
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Local Education Agency
Who benefits from adaptive computer access technologies?
• Individuals with Visual Disabilities
• Individuals with Physical Disabilities
• Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities
Things to Consider
• What is the expected outcome of using AT?
• What is the individual’s view of using the
recommended AT?
• What is the individual’s level of computer literacy?
• How will training be provided for the AT?
• What environment is the AT going to be used in?
Areas of AT:Technology for Vision Impairments
The exploration of solutions for the The exploration of solutions for the individual's needs utilizing an array individual's needs utilizing an array of state-of-the-art devices and of state-of-the-art devices and software applications.software applications.
Areas of AT:Technology for Vision Impairments
Adaptive technologies Adaptive technologies range from hand held range from hand held magnifiers and electronic magnifiers and electronic magnification systems to magnification systems to computer software that computer software that produces auditory and produces auditory and tactile outputs for the text tactile outputs for the text displayed on a computer displayed on a computer monitor. monitor.
Computer SoftwareVisual Disabilities
• Screen magnification• Examples: Zoom Text, MAGic, Lunar Screen Magnifier
• Screen reading• Examples: JAWS, Window-Eyes
• Scanning and reading systems• Examples: Kurzweil 1000, OpenBook, Scan and Read
• Display settings (some built into OS)• Examples: mouse, cursor, icons, background, and text
color
Computer SoftwarePhysical Disabilities
• On-screen Keyboards (WiViK, ScreenDoors)• Voice Recognition (Dragon NaturallySpeaking)• Abbreviation Expansion (SoothSayer)• Word Prediction (WordQ, WYNN)• Morse Code (Darci)
Computer SoftwareLearning DisabilitiesLearning Disabilities
• Talking Word ProcessorsTalking Word Processors• Word PredictionWord Prediction• Scan and Read (Kurzweil 3000)Scan and Read (Kurzweil 3000)
Computer HardwareAlternative Mice/Mouse ControlAlternative Mice/Mouse Control
• ““Standard Mice”Standard Mice”
Computer HardwareAlternative Mice/Mouse ControlAlternative Mice/Mouse Control
• TrackballsTrackballs
Computer HardwareAlternative Mice/Mouse ControlAlternative Mice/Mouse Control
• Joystick MouseJoystick Mouse
• Also, possibly through wheelchair controllerAlso, possibly through wheelchair controller
Computer HardwareAlternative Mice/Mouse ControlAlternative Mice/Mouse Control
• Mouse Pointing Through Head ControlMouse Pointing Through Head Control• Infra redInfra red• USB CameraUSB Camera
Computer HardwareAlternative Mice/Mouse ControlAlternative Mice/Mouse Control
• Other OptionsOther Options
Computer HardwareAlternative Mice/Mouse ControlAlternative Mice/Mouse Control
• Other OptionsOther Options• Switch Control for Mouse or Just ClickSwitch Control for Mouse or Just Click• Touch ScreenTouch Screen
Computer HardwareAlternative KeyboardsAlternative Keyboards
• ““Ergonomic Keyboards”Ergonomic Keyboards”
Computer HardwareAlternative KeyboardsAlternative Keyboards
• Small Footprint KeyboardsSmall Footprint Keyboards
Computer HardwareAlternative KeyboardsAlternative Keyboards
• Large KeyboardsLarge Keyboards
Computer HardwareAlternative KeyboardsAlternative Keyboards
• One Handed KeyboardsOne Handed Keyboards
• Copy/Paper HoldersCopy/Paper Holders• Book StandsBook Stands
The Work Station:Ergonomics & Positioning Aids
T. K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability
P.O. Box 9736Mississippi State, MS 39762
[email protected]@tkmartin.msstate.edu