Tag Archive: technology
July 3, 2017
by Carole Zangari -
Looking for ways to up your game in using technology in your therapy and teaching? Then you may well appreciate a website devoted to John O’Sullivan’s book, UDL Technology: Technology for Universal Design for Learning and Special Education. The site features sections on: File sharing Interactive whiteboards Projecting with a tablet Instant student feedback Presentations and representations of information Library Math Science Literature Social studies Learning a language Writing Fine arts Maker space Notes Memory Special education Occupational therapy Speech and language AAC Behavior AT for physical disabilities Preschool And more. In each area, there are multiple suggestions for specific programs, apps, and web tools that are tried and true. Many of the tools can be used for multiple purposes, so don’t shy away from checking out sections that don’t seem to relevant to your work. You just might find a hidden gem! This site is valuable both as inspiration... [Read More...]
Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: technology, UDL
February 20, 2014
by Carole Zangari -
One of the exciting things about being in an AT-related field, is watching new developments in technology. Many of us have worked with individuals who have intact language and severely impaired speech. When we last wrote about ViviVoca (Voice-Input, Voice-Output Communication Aid), it generated a lot of interest as a potential support for some individuals who struggle with face-to-face communication. The research efforts are lead by Dr. Mark Hawley, Professor of Health Services Research at the University of Sheffield, in the UK. We’re pleased to be able to share a video showing this emerging technology in aaction. Direct Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTyjlM2jYMs
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: intelligibility, research, SGD, speech intelligibility, technology, ViviVoca
August 1, 2013
by Carole Zangari -
AAC technology is awesome. It really is. But it isn’t always ‘the answer.’ Here are a few things we try to keep in mind. 1. It’s not always the most efficient way for someone to communicate. Vocalizations, word approximations, gestures, and manual signs may be quicker and easier. 2. You always need a back-up. Another device, an app, a communication board, a PODD book, a print-out of the main SGD screens. Something. 3. It may not be the preferred means of communication with family and close friends. It’s not up to us to make that call. 4. The ‘latest thing’ isn’t always the best. Some of our prAACtical friends still lament the loss of the built-in printer on the Liberator. For them, the smaller, sleeker design of replacement devices weren’t worth the trade-off. 5. We generally don’t maximize the devices/apps we have. In some situations, there are useful features that... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: 5, five, technology
August 2, 2012
by Carole Zangari -
Are you on ISAAC overload yet? Sorry that the post for Day 5 is late and a bit brief. There has been too much going on to keep up with. However, I did want to share one highlight. – Gregg Vanderheiden, Director of the Trace Center, was an invited speaker who presented on the paradigm shift AAC and AT is now experiencing. Among other things, he gave an update on the Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure, a massive project to build auto-personalized access to information and communication technology. – Need the screen to be enlarged so you can see the ATM machine? It’ll do that automatically when you go to log in at any kiosk. Use an onscreen keyboard to input information? It’ll be available when you sit down to any public computer. Want a simpler interface to email for someone who has cognitive challenges? It’ll be there on demand, and,... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: Conference, GPII, ISAAC, ISAAC 2012, technology
February 12, 2012
by Carole Zangari -
Some people thrive on conflict. Not us. We’re happiest when things are running smoothly and everyone is getting along. Nonetheless, we’re secretly thrilled by the conflict that has erupted between apps and traditional SGDs. — Here’s what we love about this conflict. 1. We LOVE that the technology that launched this controversy has raised the public’s awareness of AAC as an option. AAC in the local papers and New York Times. AAC on 60 minutes and segments of the nightly news. No matter how you feel about apps versus traditional SGDs, you gotta love the fact that more people now know that there are tools out there for people with little or no functional speech. – 2. We LOVE that AAC technology has progressed to a point where there is something to argue about. When I started my AAC career, the Express 3 (PRC), Zygo 100 (Zygo), and the HandiVoice... [Read More...]
Filed under: PrAACtical Thinking
Tagged With: Apps, historical perspective, SGD, technology