Computer Access and Augmentative Communication Jill Ethridge, OTR/L Janie Cirlot-New, M.S., CCC/SLP National AgrAbility Workshop Jackson, 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 individual's needs utilizing an array of state-of-the-art devices and software applications.

Areas of AT: Technology for Vision Impairments Adaptive technologies range from hand held magnifiers and electronic magnification systems to computer software that produces auditory and tactile outputs for the text displayed on a computer monitor.

Areas of AT: Technology for Vision Impairments

Computer Software Visual 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 Software Physical Disabilities On-screen Keyboards (WiViK, ScreenDoors) Voice Recognition (Dragon NaturallySpeaking) Abbreviation Expansion (SoothSayer) Word Prediction (WordQ, WYNN) Morse Code (Darci)

Computer Software Learning Disabilities Talking Word ProcessorsTalking Word Processors Word PredictionWord Prediction Scan and Read (Kurzweil 3000)Scan and Read (Kurzweil 3000)

Computer Hardware Alternative Mice/Mouse Control “Standard Mice”“Standard Mice”

Computer Hardware Alternative Mice/Mouse Control TrackballsTrackballs

Computer Hardware Alternative Mice/Mouse Control Joystick MouseJoystick Mouse Also, possibly through wheelchair controllerAlso, possibly through wheelchair controller

Computer Hardware Alternative Mice/Mouse Control Mouse Pointing Through Head ControlMouse Pointing Through Head Control Infra redInfra red USB CameraUSB Camera

Computer Hardware Alternative Mice/Mouse Control Other OptionsOther Options

Computer Hardware Alternative Mice/Mouse Control Other OptionsOther Options Switch Control for Mouse or Just ClickSwitch Control for Mouse or Just Click Touch ScreenTouch Screen

Computer Hardware Alternative Keyboards “Ergonomic Keyboards”“Ergonomic Keyboards”

Computer Hardware Alternative Keyboards Small Footprint KeyboardsSmall Footprint Keyboards

Computer Hardware Alternative Keyboards Large KeyboardsLarge Keyboards

Computer Hardware Alternative Keyboards One Handed KeyboardsOne Handed Keyboards

Computer Hardware Alternative 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 9736 Mississippi State, MS