Computer Access and
Augmentative Communication
Jill Ethridge, OTR/L
Janie Cirlot-New, M.S., CCC/SLP
National AgrAbility Workshop
Jackson, MS
November 14, 2006
What is Augmentative and
Alternative Communication (AAC)?
the supplementation or replacement of
speech and/or writing
– Aided communication
– Unaided communication
Who uses AAC?
Individuals with:
• Cerebral palsy
• Autism
• Developmental
apraxia of speech
• Mental retardation
• Amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Traumatic brain injury
• Stroke
Benefits of AAC…
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Independence
Control
Social Inclusion
Community Participation
Employment
Academic achievement
AAC Evaluation
• Multidisciplinary
Team
• Client’s goals and
objectives
• Client’s functional
abilities
• Family/Caregiver
AAC Systems
• Low Tech
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Alphabet boards
Topic boards
Tech/Four
Partner/Four
Tech/Talk
Tech/Speak
Leo
Go Talk
• High Tech
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DV4
MT4
DynaWrite
Pathfinder
Vantage
Vanguard
Mini Merc
Tech Touch
Types of Displays
• Fixed
• Dynamic
Access Considerations
• Direct select
– Touch
– Eye gaze
– Infrared
• Scanning
Messages
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Single word
Phrases
Sentences
Pre-stored message
Funding
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Medicare
Medicaid
Private insurance
Vocational Rehabilitation
Local Education Agency
Who benefits from adaptive
computer access technologies?
• Individuals with Visual Disabilities
• Individuals with Physical Disabilities
• Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities
Things to Consider
• What is the expected outcome of using AT?
• What is the individual’s view of using the
recommended AT?
• What is the individual’s level of computer literacy?
• How will training be provided for the AT?
• What environment is the AT going to be used in?
Areas of AT:
Technology for Vision Impairments
The exploration of solutions for the
individual's needs utilizing an array
of state-of-the-art devices and
software applications.
Areas of AT:
Technology for Vision Impairments
Adaptive technologies
range from hand held
magnifiers and electronic
magnification systems to
computer software that
produces auditory and
tactile outputs for the text
displayed on a computer
monitor.
Areas of AT:
Technology for Vision Impairments
Computer Software
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Visual Disabilities
Screen magnification
• Examples: Zoom Text, MAGic, Lunar Screen Magnifier
Screen reading
• Examples: JAWS, Window-Eyes
Scanning and reading systems
• Examples: Kurzweil 1000, OpenBook, Scan and Read
Display settings (some built into OS)
• Examples: mouse, cursor, icons, background, and text
color
Computer Software
Physical Disabilities
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On-screen Keyboards (WiViK, ScreenDoors)
Voice Recognition (Dragon NaturallySpeaking)
Abbreviation Expansion (SoothSayer)
Word Prediction (WordQ, WYNN)
Morse Code (Darci)
Computer Software
Learning Disabilities
• Talking Word Processors
• Word Prediction
• Scan and Read (Kurzweil 3000)
Computer Hardware
Alternative Mice/Mouse Control
• “Standard Mice”
Computer Hardware
Alternative Mice/Mouse Control
• Trackballs
Computer Hardware
Alternative Mice/Mouse Control
• Joystick Mouse
• Also, possibly through wheelchair controller
Computer Hardware
Alternative Mice/Mouse Control
• Mouse Pointing Through Head Control
• Infra red
• USB Camera
Computer Hardware
Alternative Mice/Mouse Control
• Other Options
Computer Hardware
Alternative Mice/Mouse Control
• Other Options
• Switch Control for Mouse or Just Click
• Touch Screen
Computer Hardware
Alternative Keyboards
• “Ergonomic Keyboards”
Computer Hardware
Alternative Keyboards
• Small Footprint Keyboards
Computer Hardware
Alternative Keyboards
• Large Keyboards
Computer Hardware
Alternative Keyboards
• One Handed Keyboards
Computer Hardware
Alternative Keyboards
• Other Options
The Work Station:
Ergonomics & Positioning Aids
• Arm and Wrist Supports
The Work Station:
Ergonomics & Positioning Aids
• Copy/Paper Holders
• Book Stands
The Work Station:
Ergonomics & Positioning Aids
• Adjustable Tables
The Work Station:
Ergonomics & Positioning Aids
• Adjustable Chairs
The Work Station:
Ergonomics & Positioning Aids
• Miscellaneous
T. K. Martin Center for
Technology and Disability
P.O. Box 9736
Mississippi State, MS 39762
662.325.1028
jcirlotnew@tkmartin.msstate.edu
jethridge@tkmartin.msstate.edu