As I surf the web for more on Assistive Tech, I find so much out there that I end up not putting anything on my blog. I jump from one site to other or just keep reading ..... Anyway, I am glad there is so much out there. Yes, some of them don't come cheap but the silver lining is that many Governments support / fund them.
Intelli Keys - is a programmable alternative keyboard that enables users with physical, visual, or cognitive disabilities to easily type, enter numbers, navigate on-screen displays, and execute menu commands, A company called Intelli Tools makes them .. http://www.intellitools.com/resources/parents.aspx They also have many other softwares and switches catering to a wide spectrum of needy people. As I searched their site, I find they have an Indian partner
http://www.assistivetechnology.co.in/ . Its based in Mumbai. I shall try and call them up and see how we could try out something.
I looked at the demo of Intelli Keys and I think it is a very handy tool for children struggling with the keyboard. Sometimes our key boards are very cluttered for our kids. My son however has learnt to type, though with difficulty and single finger. He however finds it difficult to use the arrow keys to play a game. We had stuck words UP - DOWN etc on the Arrow keys, but he is yet to hold his attention on them. Maybe by using the Intelli keys he could do things better with the right overlays. At least he could learn the concept, then maybe we could fade away the Special Keyboard.
A keyboard is critical to any use of the computer and so its mastery is a must for our kids to communicate.
Intelli keys looks like a neat device with flexibility of customizing it to the special child. It has a settings overlay that can be used to decrease response times, prevent repeated press of same letter etc. So with the right tweak and setting any child with difficulty could use them effectively.
Incidentally IntelliTools' has tools and curriculum products, which are correlated to national and selected state standards, include extensive Teacher's Guides, lesson plans, and other support materials that assist in the homeschooling environment. One would like to explore them down the road.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs)
Computers in particular and Technology in particular are full of acronyms!! VOCA stands for Voice Output Communication Aids. Individuals suffering from speech impairment could use VOCA, to make requests verbally. A prerecorded voice or machine generated voice based on text recognition could lend its voice to the challenged person on selecting certain switch, text or picture on the AAC device.
While all people with autism have language and communication difficulties, there is a considerable range in language ability among individuals with this diagnosis. Language difficulties that may be present include difficulties with non-verbal communication, delay in or lack of expressive language skills, significant differences in oral language, repetitive and idiosyncratic speech patterns, echolalic speech, restricted vocabulary, and difficulty with pragmatics of conversation (B.C. Ministry of Education, 2000). Approximately 50% of individuals with autism do not develop functional language and many of those who do exhibit abnormalities in usage (Scott, Clark & Brady, 2000). For this reason, communication interventions are critical components of any program designed to support students with ASD. Many of these students are candidates for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, either to supplement their existing speech or to act as their primary means of communication (Mirenda, 2003).
How effective are the Voice Output Communication Aids has not been well researched. This is due to the spectrum nature of Autism and also the lack of a resonable size of population using such tools. A good review, though old is at http://www.setbc.org/setbc/topics/aacreview.html
Would a child want to be heard? Would he prefer it to using flash cards or other more physical forms of communication devices? I am not sure yet. My son for instance is comfortable using a typed out communication folder. Though he sticks to using only words that provide gratification such as food items or of entertainment value, he still has some way to communicate his basic needs. But due to the fixed nature of the board, I sincerely believe an aid will give him more vocabulary and also graduate him to using sentences etc. Getting good functional communication is the key. It is not about speech. I am however encouraged by a recent act of his. While we were working with him, we recorded a rhyme on my cell phone. Later when I played it back to him, he began repeating it, and was more vocal. I therefore feel that maybe hearing himself and other sounds could encourage him to make verbal requests.
Other issue I have with these aids is the fixed nature of speech, either Machine generated ( which sounds artificial) or of an adult. We need voices of children and that to with local accent. This will make it more real. Let me look for them .. and posts on them should follow.
I found this IIT paper ... more research on it later : Looks like a cheap n limited solution for India http://www.mla.iitkgp.ernet.in/papers/kathamala.pdf
Some references :
Mirenda, P. (2003). Toward functional augmentative and alternative communication for students with autism: Manual signs, graphic symbols, and voice output communication aids. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 34, 203-216.
British Columbia Ministry of Education Special Programs Branch (2000). Teaching students with Autism: A resource guide for schools. Victoria, B.C.: Author.
Scott, J., Clark, C. & Brady, M. (2000) Students with Autism. San Diego, CA: Singular Publishing Group.
While all people with autism have language and communication difficulties, there is a considerable range in language ability among individuals with this diagnosis. Language difficulties that may be present include difficulties with non-verbal communication, delay in or lack of expressive language skills, significant differences in oral language, repetitive and idiosyncratic speech patterns, echolalic speech, restricted vocabulary, and difficulty with pragmatics of conversation (B.C. Ministry of Education, 2000). Approximately 50% of individuals with autism do not develop functional language and many of those who do exhibit abnormalities in usage (Scott, Clark & Brady, 2000). For this reason, communication interventions are critical components of any program designed to support students with ASD. Many of these students are candidates for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, either to supplement their existing speech or to act as their primary means of communication (Mirenda, 2003).
How effective are the Voice Output Communication Aids has not been well researched. This is due to the spectrum nature of Autism and also the lack of a resonable size of population using such tools. A good review, though old is at http://www.setbc.org/setbc/topics/aacreview.html
Would a child want to be heard? Would he prefer it to using flash cards or other more physical forms of communication devices? I am not sure yet. My son for instance is comfortable using a typed out communication folder. Though he sticks to using only words that provide gratification such as food items or of entertainment value, he still has some way to communicate his basic needs. But due to the fixed nature of the board, I sincerely believe an aid will give him more vocabulary and also graduate him to using sentences etc. Getting good functional communication is the key. It is not about speech. I am however encouraged by a recent act of his. While we were working with him, we recorded a rhyme on my cell phone. Later when I played it back to him, he began repeating it, and was more vocal. I therefore feel that maybe hearing himself and other sounds could encourage him to make verbal requests.
Other issue I have with these aids is the fixed nature of speech, either Machine generated ( which sounds artificial) or of an adult. We need voices of children and that to with local accent. This will make it more real. Let me look for them .. and posts on them should follow.
I found this IIT paper ... more research on it later : Looks like a cheap n limited solution for India http://www.mla.iitkgp.ernet.in/papers/kathamala.pdf
Some references :
Mirenda, P. (2003). Toward functional augmentative and alternative communication for students with autism: Manual signs, graphic symbols, and voice output communication aids. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 34, 203-216.
British Columbia Ministry of Education Special Programs Branch (2000). Teaching students with Autism: A resource guide for schools. Victoria, B.C.: Author.
Scott, J., Clark, C. & Brady, M. (2000) Students with Autism. San Diego, CA: Singular Publishing Group.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Buddy Bike !!
When I began writing, I only thought of technology as Electronics & software. As I read for better technologies that are out there helping or promising to help children with Autism, I found the Buddy Bike. Though, my son can cycle now ( Though the initial process of teaching was a tough one ), I fully understand the need for something like this. Even now, I run alongside the bike, as I am not confident that he would be careful about safety, esp from other traffic.
It is said that in 2003 Barry Nelson bought a two-wheeled bicycle. But this bicycle was different than other bicycles. Two people could ride this bicycle instead of one. Barry bought it for himself and his son Jesse. Jesse has autism. He could not ride a bicycle alone. Jesse did not understand the danger of cars on the road.
So Barry bought this new bicycle to ride with Jesse. But there was a problem. On this bicycle, Jesse sat behind his father. Sometimes Jesse would stop moving his legs, sometimes he would take his hands off of the bicycle handles. Barry had to always look behind him to make sure Jesse was safe. Barry knew there must be a better way to ride with his son.
Barry searched all around for a bicycle that would work. Finally he found a bicycle invented by Robert Gardner. It was called the Buddy Bike. The Buddy Bike is a bicycle that lets the child sit in front of the adult. The child can push the bicycle pedals with his feet and have handlebars for his hands. Jesse could see everything in front of him. On the old bicycle, Jesse could only see his father's back. On the Buddy Bike, there was no longer a risk of crashing.
Barry enjoyed using the bicycle with his son so much that he started a business selling Buddy Bikes. He wanted to share the Buddy Bike with other families like his. He used his business skills to sell the Buddy Bike all over the world.
Check out their website for more info : http://www.buddybike.com/
It is said that in 2003 Barry Nelson bought a two-wheeled bicycle. But this bicycle was different than other bicycles. Two people could ride this bicycle instead of one. Barry bought it for himself and his son Jesse. Jesse has autism. He could not ride a bicycle alone. Jesse did not understand the danger of cars on the road.
So Barry bought this new bicycle to ride with Jesse. But there was a problem. On this bicycle, Jesse sat behind his father. Sometimes Jesse would stop moving his legs, sometimes he would take his hands off of the bicycle handles. Barry had to always look behind him to make sure Jesse was safe. Barry knew there must be a better way to ride with his son.
Barry searched all around for a bicycle that would work. Finally he found a bicycle invented by Robert Gardner. It was called the Buddy Bike. The Buddy Bike is a bicycle that lets the child sit in front of the adult. The child can push the bicycle pedals with his feet and have handlebars for his hands. Jesse could see everything in front of him. On the old bicycle, Jesse could only see his father's back. On the Buddy Bike, there was no longer a risk of crashing.
Barry enjoyed using the bicycle with his son so much that he started a business selling Buddy Bikes. He wanted to share the Buddy Bike with other families like his. He used his business skills to sell the Buddy Bike all over the world.
Check out their website for more info : http://www.buddybike.com/
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Web Browser : ZAC Browser
Zac Browser is a totally free software package. It is an Internet browser developed specifically for children living with variants of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, PDD not otherwise specified and PDD-NOS, also called atypical autism.
Zac Browser was designed to offer a pleasant, rewarding and secure experience. Children sing, play and discover the best that the Internet has to offer with only a few clicks of the mouse.
Zac Browser is software that allows your child to access games (a lot of games) activities (based on diverse interests) along with videos (that allow a stimulating experience and encourages children to talk). All games, activities and videos are specifically chosen for their positive effect on children suffering from autism.
Zac Browser was developed to help a family person suffering from Autism. Detailed story is here at
http://www.zacbrowser.com/story.php .
Our son had great difficulty in handling the mouse. The center wheel was a big distraction for him. First I got him a Tablet PC. But fortunately he could master the mouse as we got him a smaller optical mouse with just two buttons. The other problem was that while he liked to access sites on the net such as Disney Play house, he would inadvertently click on the adjacent advertisements or pictures and the browser will take him into a tail spin !! This is where ZAC was great. It puts only the essential stuff as icons on the screen and disables everything else, including certain keys on the key board. It is extremely useful for those who have not yet got their kids to use the Internet. One issue I had with this was that there was no way to choose a level. Hence one had to have the icons as given. Our kids tend to be repetitive and keep choosing the same game. I have not seen the new version. More on experimenting with it. Its a great browser for Autistic children and keeps them occupied for some time. My recomendation, Take it out for a spin !!
Zac Browser was designed to offer a pleasant, rewarding and secure experience. Children sing, play and discover the best that the Internet has to offer with only a few clicks of the mouse.
Zac Browser is software that allows your child to access games (a lot of games) activities (based on diverse interests) along with videos (that allow a stimulating experience and encourages children to talk). All games, activities and videos are specifically chosen for their positive effect on children suffering from autism.
Zac Browser was developed to help a family person suffering from Autism. Detailed story is here at
http://www.zacbrowser.com/story.php .
Our son had great difficulty in handling the mouse. The center wheel was a big distraction for him. First I got him a Tablet PC. But fortunately he could master the mouse as we got him a smaller optical mouse with just two buttons. The other problem was that while he liked to access sites on the net such as Disney Play house, he would inadvertently click on the adjacent advertisements or pictures and the browser will take him into a tail spin !! This is where ZAC was great. It puts only the essential stuff as icons on the screen and disables everything else, including certain keys on the key board. It is extremely useful for those who have not yet got their kids to use the Internet. One issue I had with this was that there was no way to choose a level. Hence one had to have the icons as given. Our kids tend to be repetitive and keep choosing the same game. I have not seen the new version. More on experimenting with it. Its a great browser for Autistic children and keeps them occupied for some time. My recomendation, Take it out for a spin !!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Augmentative and alternative communication ( AAC)
AAC is a broad term for forms of communication that supplement or enhance speech, including electronic devices, picture boards, and sign language. So my initial search into this area gives me an impression that there are lot of tools out there, may not be perfect and may also be expensive.
A Good start was at http://uk.dynavoxtech.com/ Their website states "As the world’s leading provider of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) products and services, DynaVox Mayer-Johnson offers complete solutions for individuals with speech and learning challenges. Our speech devices help those with conditions such as autism, MND, cerebral palsy, stroke, brain injury and others; make meaningful connections with the world around them."
I could not find much in terms of the cost and availability outside UK. I have sent them a message and will will update on receipt of response. The gadgets look good, but there was no demo online and the flash demo was too slow for my patience.
I did find another site http://www.touchntalk.com/ . A touch enabled software for windows. More on it later
A Good start was at http://uk.dynavoxtech.com/ Their website states "As the world’s leading provider of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) products and services, DynaVox Mayer-Johnson offers complete solutions for individuals with speech and learning challenges. Our speech devices help those with conditions such as autism, MND, cerebral palsy, stroke, brain injury and others; make meaningful connections with the world around them."
I could not find much in terms of the cost and availability outside UK. I have sent them a message and will will update on receipt of response. The gadgets look good, but there was no demo online and the flash demo was too slow for my patience.
I did find another site http://www.touchntalk.com/ . A touch enabled software for windows. More on it later
Monday, September 7, 2009
Help from Technology
As touch screen smartphones and displays become common place, I am inclined to think that parents today have much better methods to enable our children communicate. Having worked with picture cards, information folders, I sincerely believe the Special Parent of tomorrow will be carrying a smart phone with communication pictures and text built into a neat application. I shall endeavor to research and place all that exists in this area so that others could benefit too. I hope to get a rig for my non verbal son in this process.
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