Educational Resources for People With Disabilities
This blog was created by three Indiana University Education majors, and is specifically designed to introduce a variety of Educational, technological devices that are used to assist students whom are impaired and require help to learn and communicate with others inside and outside of a classroom setting. It is very important for all students, and potential teachers to receive knowledge of devices that can be used to assist students to reach their maximum learning potential.
A Frequency Modulated system, or an FM System, is a device
used to make difficult listening situations easier. Even with the use of
hearing aids, many hearing impaired children still do not get the education
they need because they are unable to hear the lessons. This creates disequilibrium
in the students because they are not able to understand the meanings of
lessons. There are many situations in
which we use our hearing every day, including background noises and subtle
speech. By having an FM system, students will be able to hear and learn with
greater ease. Children need to be able to hear at their highest in order to
communicate with the world around them.
This website will provide information needed to understand how the FM System works, and how it can be used in educational purposes
The Eye Gaze is a device that is specifically designed for those who suffer from complex physical disabilities. This device allows people to do many different things, and is controlled with only their eyes. Users can do things like: control the lighting in a room, operate a computer mouse, access the internet, and most importantly, attend school.
According to LC Technologies, Inc., A user sits in front of a screen, which contains a specialized video camera that is mounted under the screen and observes one of the users eyes. Image processing software continually analyzes the users eye movement to determine where the user is looking. The upside to this device? Nothing, yes nothing, is attached to the user, at any time!
The setup for this device is short and painless. All it requires is a 15 second collaboration procedure to begin use. As the user begins to become familiar with this device, he/she learns what is necessary to make it work. In order for a user to select something on the screen, they must look at it for a specified amount of time. Users can have a feeling of independence due to the array of menu keys and exit keys available, allowing for independent navigation.
Although this device was not particularly created for younger users, many younger people have been able to experience this great technology, due to the creators passion to help. The creators of this device, made changes to their already existing product to allow for kids, as young as the age of 6, to use this device effectively.
The best part? This device is customizable and portable, to fit any users needs. Thus allowing for the student to use this technology in a classroom setting, to reach maximum learning potential, which is ultimately the key!
In this video you will see young boy name Aiden finally be able to communicate with his family, for the first time! Along with this, this device also gives Aiden the opportunity to learn.
To learn more about this device, see photos of real users, and read their stories visit LC Technologies, Inc.
The DynaWrite 2.0 device is a assistive technology device used to help students with speech, language, and learning impairments. The device, manufactured by DynaVox Mayer-Johnson, is an input/output device where students are able to type in what they want to say and then will speak what is input. This technology makes it easier for students to communicate with other students and teachers.
Who can use the device?
This assisted technology device is intended for people with disabilities to help them communicate better with other people. For example, a person with cerebral palsy can use the text to speech keyboard to help with their speaking impairments. The people who intend to use the device must also have good literacy and typing skills.
How is it used?
DynaWrite 2.0 uses a full size QWERTY keyboard for people to input their messages that they want to be output. It also makes it easier to type. There are word prediction and abbreviation expansion capacities embedded in the program to reduce the time in composing the message. Word prediction is predicting the word the person is trying to type out based on how they use express their language. Abbreviation expansion is allowing the person to recall words they use commonly by only putting in an abbreviation or hitting a shortcut key on the keyboard. When the message is done being typed, the keyboard will output a voice command.
The DynaWrite 2.0 is an effective assisted technology that has helped many students with disabilities. Students are able to be in control of their speech and interact with other people.
Here is a video demonstrating how this assisted technology device helped a person with disabilities be successful in school and future.
