JOURNAL #8: AAC

Communication

AAC is an acronym for Argumentative and Alternative Communication. AAC are forms of communication that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. We all use AAC when we make facial expressions or gestures, use symbols or pictures, or write. When we think of it our ways of communicating can be seen everyday through our body language.

There are two different types of tools low tech and high tech. They both have the same role assist in helping disabled students communicate.

1. My low tech tool that I have chosen to write about is the Go Talk Pocket. Basically this device is a portable communicator aid that has six message buttons with a built in key-guard, as well as a overlay storage system. A student can record up to ten seconds of recordings. This tool can be used in classrooms as ways of communicating in a special education setting. The buttons all have pictures to help students know what each button means and what they might want if they need assistance from a teacher. 

2. High Tech devices are more functional than a low tech device, but their more recently developed in comparison to those of low tech tools for communicating. These can include the PC based communication software programs as seen in the gateway website. These devices can be very interesting because it is not just for students, but also for parents and educators. The function of this device helps write message in a keyboard looking device that messages can be created and stored which is a way teachers and parents can communicate. The device can also be programmed for specific purposes which is very useful because it makes this device more functioning abilities for multiple situations. Student can become better communicators by practicing their communication skills and this device is able to be customized as a student becomes a better learner.


Accessibility

The term input device is basically a device that resembles a Keyboard or a mouse that assist disabled students with making selections on the computer. They come in many forms  for example a mouse can be a joy stick. The Input device is for students who primarily struggle navigating a computer.

In looking at the Hardware options I liked the Eyetech Tm2. It is basically a replacement for the mouse and allows the student to point the object anywhere on the screen by simply looking at a place on the screen. to click on a certain area all a student needs to do is blink. This device is very helpful for students who are unable to use their hands very well, but it can be very helpful for them. The best thing about this device is that it is hands free.



The software option that I found interesting was the one that was called the instant text 7, and I like this because it really does simplify texts for anybody and it can be for any disabled student to get assistance with writing a text. it accelerates the texting process which at times for student can be extremely important. The software has the ability to take commands, ability to be expanded, an alphabetical glossary, and a typo correct glossary. this software really is helpful for students writing a letter or a paper, and can be really useful. In a classroom for individual computer assignments this can used as  a way of helping a student develop their writing skills.