Classroom Speakers : October 25, 2012

During class on October 25, 2012, we were pleased to have two guest speakers that presented two different Assistive Technology devices that help toddlers, students, and the elderly with communicating. The first speaker was Michelle Preslar from DynaVox. DynaVox is the leading provider of communication solutions designed to help students with speech and language challenges. Ms. Preslar allowed each of my classmates an opportunity to play with some of the devices as if we had a communication disability. Each DynaVox products support students who are unable to speak due to autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, tramatic brain injury and apraxia. The devices that were around the room were very durable and some were lightweight. There was one DyanVox that was heavy and would be used for a student that would be in a wheelchair. If you would like more information on the DyanVox products, you can call 1-866-DYAVOX for more information regarding each product.

DynaVox V+

DynaVox Maestro 

The second speaker was Juliet Schuelke from Tobii Solutions. Tobii Solutions makes products that are eye controlled. Ms. Schuelke passed around the Tobii S32 Touch and Scan device. This device plays recorded messages, sounds, and is activated by touch or scanning. Courtney and I had the opportunity to try out the portable eye control device that was set up in the classroom. This device was completely controlled by sight. I had so much fun trying out the product for my classmates. Below is a picture of Courtney trying out the device.

Midterm Project Presentations

October, 18, 2012 was the day the class presented our midterm projects. I enjoyed listening and learning about everyone's presentations. I've definitely gained so much information after hearing about the different low, middle, and high tech Assistive Technology tools. I can say before Jaalil and I presented, I was very nervous. But I was excited at the end when I received my grade! My favorite presentation was Timara and Tiera Assistive Technology Book. The book was very creative! I also loved Devan and Kristina's presentation. I loved the fact that they had visuals to go with their presentation. I felt like I knew exactly what they were talking about because of the visuals passed around in class. After listening to all of the presentations, I find myself looking at other Assistive Technology tools for my future classroom in every store that I go to with friends. I KNOW that I will be able to do an excellent job on the final project.

Chapter Six: Assistive Technology to Enhance Communication

Chapter Six, Assistive Technology to Enhance Communication, talks about being able to communicate. This chapter discusses assistive technology tools that enhance communication between students with disabilities, teachers, and peers. 

In the beginning of the chapter, it discusses the difference between deaf and hard of hearing. People tend to get the two definitions confused just because it has to do with little to no hearing. Students who are deaf have little or no hearing. These students are not comfortable with speaking and they communicate through sign language. Unlike students who are deaf, students who are hard of hearing can understand speech through hearing aids. These students might have speech impairments but speak well enough to be understood. Some students that are hard of hearing might have difficulty in the classroom following the teachers lectures. It's important for teachers to be knowledgeable and communicate effectively. This can be done by repeating key points in the lecture and standing by the student making sure they are getting the information.  

Hearing assistive technology  is technology that helps people who have hearing losses. These technologies include alerting devices such as smoke detector indicators, shaking alarm clocks, and baby cry signalers. It also includes adaptations for telephones such as text messages, video relay, relay services, and portable phone amplifiers. Augmentative communication is about helping people who can not speak to interact with others. It serves as an alternative for people who can not talk. An example would be using facial expressions, gestures, and body language when communicating. 

Assistive Technology to Enhance Communication

My article is called Technology Gives Special Education Students a Voice written by Daniel Hubbard. This article is focused around a special education classroom at Albert Payson Terhune Elementary School in Wayne, New Jersey. These students use iPads, computers, and programs that allow them to not only complete their schoolwork but express their feelings for those students who are non-verbal. 

http://wayne.patch.com/articles/assistive-technologies-provide-students-with-a-voice