Communication Disorders and Technology

I previously discussed how iPads, applications, and accessories can help students with Autism and other communication disorders communicate with their teachers, parents, and peers more effectively. The presenter used various applications to help students communicate and practice skills such as writing.

The next section will discuss students with communication disorders using iPads to give them a voice. I can't begin to imagine how hard and frustrating school and life in general would be if I was not able to communicate my needs. A link for each video is listed under the short synopsis.





Teacher Prospective
This video is a good way to describe the teachers prospective when using the iPad in the classroom for students with Autism. A group of students  and teachers has been piloting ways to use the iPad in the classroom to communicate. The teachers found students were more focused and were able to  reveal their knowledge that may have otherwise gone unknown.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZuCbYNls0V0

Children with autism are getting acquainted with the iPads and some question whether students are just playing. The woman in the video explains that this play is apart of students learning to use the device and communicate. Teachers feel the devices are improving communication skills, however research on this topic will take time. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xCyidQrYN9I


Student Perspective
Carly was diagnosed with developmental delays when she was two years old. She was put into intense one on one therapy for 40 to 60 hours with no prevail. Her parents decided institutionalizing her, despite encouragement from her friends and family, was not an option. After encountering a computer, Carly was able to communicate with her parents after years of silence by typing. Carly was able to type to communicate which was first meant with resistance. It is amazing that Carly was able to voice her opinion  about how she felt  having special needs and developmental delays. She desired to be "normal" and her parents were able to see her this way now that she could communicate. Technology has opened up a whole new world for her. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=AN7e2G2sH1A
 

Parent Perspective
Autumn is an 8 year old girl who has Autism. Her mother keeps up with the latest technology to help her daughter communicate. She loved seeing Autumn engaged by pushing the iPad screen to let her mom know she wanted to play with a ball and she felt happy. For a little girl who may have never been able to communicate as society expects, the iPad has played a key roll in opening up the lines of communication between her and her mother.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWli1-84CNQ&feature=player_detailpage

Proloquo is an application for the iPhone to help people with Autsim, Down Syndrome, and other communication disorders. I listed this video under the parent perspective because it is easy for them to help their child learn to use the program because it's on a familiar device. Communication devices are normally very expensive but Proloquo can be purchased for about $200.00 which differs from the thousands of dollars spent on other devices. This application really allows parents to get involved and take their child's communication needs in their own hands.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=vomkNSluWW4