Computer Access and Augmentative Communication Jill Ethridge, OTR/L Janie Cirlot-New, M.S., CCC/SLP National AgrAbility Workshop Jackson, MS November 14,

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

Types of Displays

• Fixed

• Dynamic

Access Considerations

• Direct select– Touch– Eye gaze– Infrared

• Scanning

Messages

• Single word

• Phrases

• Sentences

• Pre-stored message

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.

Areas of AT:Technology for Vision Impairments

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

Computer HardwareAlternative KeyboardsAlternative Keyboards

• Other OptionsOther Options

• Arm and Wrist SupportsArm and Wrist Supports

The Work Station:Ergonomics & Positioning Aids

• Copy/Paper HoldersCopy/Paper Holders• Book StandsBook Stands

The Work Station:Ergonomics & Positioning Aids

• Adjustable TablesAdjustable Tables

The Work Station:Ergonomics & Positioning Aids

• Adjustable ChairsAdjustable Chairs

The Work Station:Ergonomics & Positioning Aids

• MiscellaneousMiscellaneous

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