NETS-T (2, 4, 5)
AAC
In considering the needs of all learners, I investigated some high and low technology tools tools that will greatly assist students with special needs! I will be focusing on Argumentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) which is a strategy that assist people with severe communication disabilities to participate more fully in their social roles including interpersonal interaction, learning, education, community activities, employment, volunteerism, and care management to name a few. The focus with be on two areas: Communication & Accessibility and researching a no/low tech which requires very little technology and high tech options.
Communication
Sign Language - is a complete, complex language that employs signs made by moving the hands combined with facial expressions and postures of the body.Using sign language in the classroom can help inspire students to explore and communicate about their environments by adding a visual language to my lessons. Through Mayer-Johnson a special education supplier, sign language products can give students ways to communicate, whether they are impaired, completely without hearing or struggling with verbal communication. Sign language is a great tool for all to know, I know that I need to learn more. There are many products to purchase in all price ranges so to fit every teachers budget.
DynaVox, in my opinion one of the neatest and most functional tools in communication for AAC would be the DynaVox Maestro. This little machine a little bigger than an iPad that runs eight different softwares so that a person with speech and language disabilities can be heard. This company is amazing, all DynaVox devices allows individuals with speech and language disabilities to successfully communicate, develop high-level language skills and express themselves through software called InterAACt. This software has 3 driving factors: age, environment and ability. DynaVox not only has this product but many more in the assisting of interpersonal communication and connection with others. This incredibly high tech has opened my eyes to the possibility of the communication that can take place. Take a look at it, it is beautiful!
Accessibility
An input device is any device by which someone can input information into a computer. Some common examples are a mouse and keyboard. However, for people with extreme disabilities, these devices may be difficult to use. Therefore, there are many modified input devices for people with special needs.
One hardware input device would be the Kinderboard. This keyboard introduces early learners to an actual keyboard. Yes, it is larger in size and color coded, it makes it very easy for the visually impaired to see the keys and learn their numbers and letters in a functional method. This keyboard would be a great way to get students to learn how to use a keyboard correctly. This board can also assist in learning the alphabet and identify character sets with color-coded consonants, vowels, numbers and punctuation marks.
Mayer-Johnson again has products that are digital savvy. One software that comes in an easy to access App is the Picture Communication Symbol (PCS) Apps. The Apps contain programs like Flash Cards, Word Scramble, Match & Memory and Bingo, they all help different people meet different needs. Products like PCS can help students learn vocabulary, language, articulation, cognitive, listening skills and more. These softwares are ideal for students with a need for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). It is as easy as a swipe/push of a finger, if you have an iPad, iTouch, or iPhone; Mac makes it easy for those with disabilities. Students that have the ability to use these products are now able to use the App anywhere they go because of the accessibility that Mac has created for all their users.
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