Journal 8

Adaptive Technology

Communication

      Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is what we use when "we make facial expressions or gestures, use symbols or pictures, or write." AAC does not include oral communication. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association states that people with disabilities in these areas rely on augmentative and alternative communication to interact with others.

High-Tech

     One high-tech tool students with special needs can use is an iPad tablet. There is an ever growing number of apps that can be used for iPads. Some suggestions are Proloquo2Go, which can function as voice, and LetterFlex, which helps with students with dyslexia. These apps are interactive and can be very helpful for students with special needs.

No-Tech

A no-tech tool students can use to help with their written communication are pencil adaptations, which are things you add to where you hold a pencil, they are usually soft materials like clay, that can be molded to fit the students grip. Another option would be to stick the writing utensil through something larger, like a tennis ball, to make it easier to hold.

Accessibility

Input devices are tools that help make it easier or possible for students with special needs to use computers and other technology. These devices are designed to assist with many types of disabilities that make using computers very difficult.

Software Option

One software option that can help students with special needs is an onscreen keyboard. For students that cannot use a traditional keyboard, this software can make it easier to type. A great feature of onscreen keyboards is that they offer predictive text, so that if you type in the first few letters of a word, predicted words will come up that you can choose, saving yourself having to type out an entire word. 

Hardware Option

A great option for students that either have trouble using a mouse, or simply cannot use a mouse is a device that tracks motion of a sensor that can be placed on anything, or any part of the body, for example, head on the students head attached to his glasses.
This tracker acts as the mouse of a computer for someone who cannot use a traditional mouse. 





Amanda
Rihanna
Christine