Journal 9: Adaptive Technology

NETS-T 2, 3, 4, 5

Communication- What is AAC?
Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC) is a term used to describe a substitute way of any form of communication that is used to express the thoughts, needs, ideas and wants of students with severe speech problems.  AAC is used to supplement or replace natural speech.  AAC devices can help improve and support students' academic achievement, self -confidence and social skills.  AAC devices vary in electronic usage from no-tech, to low-tech to high-tech.

A low/no tech device is the Mayer-Johnson's Picture Communication Symbols (PCS).  It displays a library of symbols and pictures to represent objects or persons around the student.  The student can point to a picture to represent their message.  For example, pointing to a sandwich can mean, "I would like to eat a sandwich".  It may seem simple and basic, however; a communication display, like the PCS, lets the student make choices without the frustration due to a disability to verbally communicate. A low tech device such as this does require the person being communicated with to give their full attention and the student gets the attention they need effectively. It can really support and encourage any student to communicate if the right system is set in place with this device. 

A high tech  device is the Comtek FM Assistance learning tool. A compact wireless, portable, battery operated radio transmitter. This is used to help hard of hearing students to better have speech clarity from their instructor. Instructors wear a microphone that is connected to a transmitter. It  reduces un-necessary sounds/noises and focuses only on what the person is suppose to hear. It can also be connected to a hearing aid or cochlear implant.  

Accessibility-
To help students become apart of a general education class there are some input devices that help people with special needs in using technology, most commonly the computer. Many of these devices can support people with speech impairment, hearing impairment, limited motor skills, and more.  Devices can be attached to computers or through software downloaded onto the computer. 

A hardware device is the Magic Touch Add-On Touch Screen Notebook this instantly converts your standard notebook/computer into a touch interactive device. The MagicTouch Touch Screen’s USB interface is compatible with Windows or Mac. This piece of hardware can be great to use in the classroom.








A software program for people with reading and writing difficulties, that has text reinforced by hearing it read aloud can be very useful. Specialised programs have existed to do this for a long time, and in many cases are extremely helpful and highly appropriate. WordTalk is a free text-to-speech plugin developed for use with all versions of Microsoft Word. It will speak the text of the document and highlight it as it goes. It contains a talking dictionary to help decide which word spelling is most appropriate. Some features are allowing you to adjust the highlight colors, change the voice and speed of the speech, convert text to speech and save as a .wav or .mp3 file so that it can be played back on an iPod or mp3 player.