I am a Speech-Language Pathologist working in the New York City Department of Education in the Bronx. My school setting is specialized for children diagnosed with autism and intellectual disabilities in 6:1:1, 8:1:1 and 12:1:1 classroom settings. My students range from non verbal, minimally verbal to verbal communicators. Some communicate primarily through gestures (e.g., pointing, grabbing, etc). First, my colleagues and I teach our students to communicate using picture symbols via adapted/personalized communication books. This prepares them for voice output devices with the same picture symbols. Assistive technology allows the students more independence to communicate their wants and needs.
My Project
For my non-verbal and minimally verbal students, it is my job to give them access to a variety of communication supports called Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
This can range from using low-tech AAC devices, such as picture symbols in a small binder, to using high-tech language application on iPad devices with thousands of words.
With your help, my students will be able to more readily access an essential component of everyday life: COMMUNICATION! A high-tech AAC device will allow them to actively express themselves in an effective way.
For an assistive technology evaluation to be accepted, I have to show that the student is successful in using the communication system in different environments. That means my students are missing out on high tech communication apps (e.g., Proloquo2Go, LAMP, Snap Core) within the therapy room and classroom setting.
I have students who are great candidates for high tech communication apps. I am noticing their motivation to communicate quickly decreases as their messages are not getting across. With an iPad device, I will be able to evaluate students for high tech communication devices with the most updated speech and language apps and provide students with the opportunity to express themselves using a stress-free mode of communication.
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