Journal 9

As an educator, it is important to focus on all student's needs. I focused on the areas of communication and accessibility, and researched both high tech and low tech options for assistance in communication as well as one hardware and one software option for accessibility. There were many things that I found, which I will discuss in this journal entry.

AAC is a term used to describe a tool which assists in communication. It is a way to assist people who have no voice or have lost the ability to speak to communicate either via pictures, or electronically through words. There are various no tech or low tech AAC devices which allow for people to communicate effectively. Some of these items include the "Easy push  Talking Pocket Carrier" which is a device with large easy to push plates which accommodate graphics which allow for  a voice recording to go along with the corresponding graphic. Someone voice records a message for the individual in need of communication assistance and that person now has a voice. They correlate the picture on the easy to push button with what they want to say, and they can now communicate their thoughts to others. This is a simple and easy tool that can be used in a classroom to allow a student to not only communicate with their teachers, but also with their fellow students. A student with a disability that prevents them from communicating might feel left out but with the use of something such as the talking pocket carrier they can feel like they are just as included as the other students.

Something on the higher technology end of the spectrum that can be used for communication is something such the Dynavox "Eye Max" system. This product is very high tech and functions by tracking the eye movement and eye focus of the user. The user focuses on the letters on the screen in front of them and the Eye Max then speaks for them. This technology is one that allows people with disabilities to speak freely, just as something like the easy push talking carrier, but takes it to another level. The user is able to communicate any thought or desire, not just ones that are previously recorded. The use of this in a classroom is one that I can see being highly beneficial. The student using the system would be able to partake in class discussions, ask and answer questions among many other things that would help to further their education. It would allow them to the fully functioning student that they have every right to be.

Communication and accessibility are things that can directly relate to each other, as many students may not have the access to be able to communicate as discussed above. One way that students can gain accessibility is through input devices. An input device is any piece of computer hardware that allows for the input of data into a computer such as a mouse, or a keyboard. For many students the use of such input devices is not an option. Thankfully there are options which allow for students with special needs to still use input devices. Hardware such as the headmouse extreme, which allows for students without the ability use a standard to mouse to navigate a computer and its programs such as an on screen keyboard are a great advancement in technology. It works by tracking the movement of either the users forehead or glasses. When paired with a program such as the previously mentioned on screen keyboard software, it can completely replace the need of a traditional keyboard.

This brings me to my next tool related to accessibility. For any hardware, there is an accompanying software system allowing it to function to its best ability. A software program such as SoftType creates an on screen keyboard that the student using the Headmouse can use to type, make selections, print things, play computer games etc. With the pairing of this hardware and software combination, a student is able to use a computer just as anyone else would, opening up their potential skillset and technological ability. Obviously this is a great candidate for use in the classroom with endless beneficial possibilities for its user.