Communication Correction Plan Mark Page (LHS) Andrew Osborne (AHS) Jasmine Gandhi (CHS) March 31, 2009

Our Client, Mr. A Statement of Need: Our client needs to overcome visual-audio barriers Mr. A is seven years old and autistic Comfortable seeing a structured schedule Teachers and parents agree that he has trouble forming words. Mr. A’s parents wants to learn concept of time, if at all possible. He would appreciate the “jump start,” but keep main focus is on speech development and correction.

Constraints and Requirements Safety Cost: cap of $150 Well put together and attractive Simple to understand and operate Improve audio visual communication skills Durable Effective Size Efficient power source Portable

Items already on the market

Option #1. Activity Clock Activity was designed to adhere to Mr. A’s parents’ request for a way to incorporate time concepts By cutting out a square from the bottom of the clock we can add in a rotating activity wheel, that changes Mr. A’s task according to the time. This will help with his need for a structured schedule and will hopefully demolish the visual audio barrier he has P.M.

Additional Information Pros (+) Safe Eliminates visual- audio barrier Includes a way for Mr. A to learn about time concepts Small, portable size Attractive to look at with the rotating pictures, lights and sound Adheres to everyday use Runs on batteries— easy replacement Cons (-) *Does not focus on speech correction Mr. A loves electronic hand-held devices—if this is not something he likes, he will not use it. PARTS LIST Clock Rotating wheel with graphic, detailed and eye-catching pictures…maybe with the laser cutter Sound circuits Sensors to recognize hour change LED lights Two separate switches: One to change the center picture and one to switch between A.M. and P.M. signs Estimated Cost: Between ($65-$85)

Option #2. Matching Mania PARTS LIST Piece of board to mount on Six lights to light pictures Arcade buttons Speakers Circuit to randomize lights Plastic sleeves for both pictures and answer choices. Estimated Cost: Between ($65-$85) Help with picture recognition Match picture to word choice Use interactive sounds to determine choices Choice 1 Choice 2 Choice 4 Choice 3 Choice 5 Choice 6

Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages Safe Helps the client to associate different objects with a word to identify them. Uses sounds to encourage the client to choose correctly. Attractive interface Draws the clients attention by the large pictures that dominate the product. Disadvantages Not portable Does not utilize sound to work on the audio aspects of our clients disability. Would require a lot of wiring in order to hook up all the components. Does not deal with concepts of time

Option #3. The Speak Easy This device will help with communication skills The device will be built out of a briefcase with buttons on the exterior Each button will correspond to a different word or activity and will be accompanied by pictures When pushed the device will pronounce the word or activity The messages will be able to be re-recorded and the pictures will be interchangeable

Parts List 6-8 ISD1110 voice recording chips ($5.95e) 1-2 small speaker(s) 1 (or six?) electret microphone $ each Other circuitry parts 1 briefcase (used if possible Mr. Rhine said had one) 6-8 pinball buttons Recording switches (Estimated cost=$70-$90)

Speak Easy: Pros & cons Pros Portable Circuitry can be built inside Safe Will fix the lack of visual- audio Cost falls within range Will look AWESOME Cons May be difficult to built Some parts may be tough to get Does not include time concepts Update Sensors If record button held Record message If play pushed If turned off END Play message NO Yes NO yes no Start

Our Solution Using the Speak-Easy Briefcase Ideal to help our client with his communication skills He will be able to perfect the audio-visual concepts Will be able to use at school and/or home Voice circuits already built and are cheap Easy to use/ construct New pre-made voice circuits will get rid of the difficulty of designing our own voice circuits

Parts List/ Our circuits Only changes from the original Speak-Easy Using 6-8 A96010 voice recording circuits ($6.60 ea.) No microphones (included in A96010) Estimated cost (not including briefcase)= $90 max Our electronics Mixer circuit for speaker output Possible mixer circuit for microphone input

Thank you for your attention! Q+A