Journal #9 / MI

AAC stands for alternative augmentative communication.  This refers to the use of technology, whether high or low tech to help individuals who cannot communicate due to impairments of speech.  There is a wide variety of tools and software available on the market to assist with AAC.

One high tech tool that I researched was the Springboard Lite.  The Springboard Lite is a communication tablet that is built for literate as well as non-literate users.  It has a series of pictures to depict the language  that the user is desiring to portray.  The Springboard Lite comes with male and female voices built in.  It has bluetooth capability and is compatible with computers for uploading pictures.  Springboard Lite uses "Unity language" which helps guide language based on pictures.

Different combinations of these pictures help the computer determine an action and to build a sentence and then the computer will use its voice to verbalize that communication.  Springboard lite can also act a as remote for electronic devices and is compatible with MP3, WMA, and WAV files and access methods include, direct selection; single- or dual-switch scanning; USB connectivity allows use of headpointing systems, mouse, USB joystick and mouse emulation access products.




Communication boards are example of low-tech AAC Devices.  According to the Bridge School website, "Communication boards make language visible and accessible for individuals who have speech impairments. These low-technology communication displays consist of photographs, symbols, words/phrases or a combination of all three. Typically, multiple communication boards are developed to address both specific and generic vocabulary needs in a variety of contexts."  Communication boards have color coded sections that help its user locate the page for the topic that is being communicated.  This page will then have several options to point to state what the user wishes to portray.

In addition to a myriad of devices available on the market, there are software and hardware solutions.  An example of a hardware solution for user with accessibility issues is the EyePro GS from Words+.  The EyePro GS is similar to the Tobii in that it uses eye gazing to predict words and language patterns from the user.  This can be used with any Windows computer of communication device.  The EyePro GS helps users that are unable to handle a mouse, buttons, or even a head wand.

The EyePro GS is made by Words+ who are also creators of communication software.  E Z Keys is one of the software programs by Words+.  According to their website, "EZ Keys allows the literate user to do everything from typing a letter, to engaging in conversation with a friend, to exploring the worldwide web. World-renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking uses the software to deliver lectures around the world, while a nine-year-old boy uses it to talk with friends and to participate in classroom activities at his school in Louisiana."  This software is valuable because it is built not only for users who can use a mouse or keyboard but also for those who cannot.  It is built to work with eye gazing technology.