Assistive Technology in the classroom

This post is going to shift away from social media and look at assistive technology in the classroom. I find this subject one of the main reasons to enroll in this program.

Not every person is gifted with the ability to use his or her voice. Currently, I’m working with two students who do not have the luxury of speaking; one student relies solely on the use of a DynaVox to communicate and the other student has a DynaVox but chooses not to bring it to school. Needless, to say it is much easier to communicate when a student who uses a piece of assistive technology like a DynaVox. For those who are not familiar with a DynaVox, it is a piece of equipment that gives a student a voice, which otherwise would not have the ability to speak. It is a computer-based system that allows a student to select a pre-programed text or symbol and speaks it out allowed.  

This past Friday, I had the great fortune to learn how to program one of my students’ devices. As a classroom team we generated a list of words and phrases that needed to be programed. This is a rather time-consuming process and it makes me wonder if it can be made more efficient to program. This one student in particular is well versed on how to use the device and uses it to be a contributing member in the classroom. The device it self can help support communicating, social skill development, and enforce positive behaviors. In effect, these students can continue to learn and progress in school without being inhibited by their disability, instead focusing on their ability.

If you would like more information about the products DynaVox offers here is the link to there website:http://www.dynavoxtech.com/default.aspx

DynaVox communicating device