From Autism Transition Handbook
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=== Picture Exchange Communication System === | === Picture Exchange Communication System === | ||
[http://www.pecsusa.com/ Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)] is a form of augmentative and alternative communication that utilizes pictures rather than words as a way to help individuals with autism communicate with others. Through PECS, individuals can initiate conversations and communicate their thoughts more easily. PECS is designed to build upon basic pictures so that one can communicate complete sentences, either simple or complex, through pictures. In more advanced phases, individuals can answer questions and make comments as well. The six phases are detailed on the [http://www.pecsusa.com/pecs.php PECS website]. | [http://www.pecsusa.com/ Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)] is a form of augmentative and alternative communication that utilizes pictures rather than words as a way to help individuals with autism communicate with others. Through PECS, individuals can initiate conversations and communicate their thoughts more easily. PECS is designed to build upon basic pictures so that one can communicate complete sentences, either simple or complex, through pictures. In more advanced phases, individuals can answer questions and make comments as well. The six phases are detailed on the [http://www.pecsusa.com/pecs.php PECS website]. | ||
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| + | Studies detailed in [[Media:AAC and Autism What do we really know?.pdf|Autism, Augmentative Communication, and Assistive Technology: What Do We Really Know?]] have shown that PECS along with other types of AT invokes the potential for students to develop robust verbal skills. | ||
=== MyVoice === | === MyVoice === | ||
Revision as of 20:22, 3 August 2012
Contents |
Assistive Technology Overview
The purpose of Assistive Technology is to help individuals with disabilities of all ages with various aspects of daily living. The Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act (also referred to as the Tech Act) defines assistive technology as any item, piece of equipment, or system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is commonly used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Individuals with autism can achieve greater independence and an enhanced quality of life through assistive technology by gaining the ability to perform tasks more easily. Numerous assistive technology devices are available, but finding a device that suits a person’s individualized needs is key.
What is the law?
Tech Act (Public Law 105-394) states: Substantial progress has been made in the development of assistive technology devices, including adaptations to existing equipment, that significantly benefit individuals with disabilities of all ages. Such devices can be used to increase the involvement of such individuals in, and reduce expenditures associated with, programs and activities such as early intervention, education, rehabilitation and training, employment, residential living, independent living, recreation, and other aspects of daily living.
What types of Assistive Technology are available?
Picture Exchange Communication System
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a form of augmentative and alternative communication that utilizes pictures rather than words as a way to help individuals with autism communicate with others. Through PECS, individuals can initiate conversations and communicate their thoughts more easily. PECS is designed to build upon basic pictures so that one can communicate complete sentences, either simple or complex, through pictures. In more advanced phases, individuals can answer questions and make comments as well. The six phases are detailed on the PECS website.
Studies detailed in Autism, Augmentative Communication, and Assistive Technology: What Do We Really Know? have shown that PECS along with other types of AT invokes the potential for students to develop robust verbal skills.
MyVoice
MyVoice is a digital version of a picture board that allows individuals to express their thoughts and needs through pictures paired with recordings. It is an alternative and augmentative communications aid that can be used on an iPod, iPad, iPhone, or Android.
Proloquo2Go
Proloquo2Go is an augmentative and alternative communication aid that allows individuals to better communicate with others. This application contains 14,000 symbols that are each paired with a word and picture to generate comprehensive speech. Automatic conjugation and word prediction make it easy to use on an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch.
Switchamajig Controller
Switchamajig Controller utilizes the iPad’s touch screen to control anything that is switch-adapted.
TapToTalk
TapToTalk allows individuals to choose from a library of pictures and add any voice or recording to the picture to create individualized picture albums for communication on a variety of electronic devices (Apple products, Kindle, Nook, Android products, Nintendo DS, BlackBerry PlayBook, and PCs).
Photo Dial Telephones
Photo Dial Telephones: Photo phones allow individuals to pair pictures with speed dial buttons for convenient dialing.
Mayer-Johnson
Mayer-Johnson specializes in developing assistive technology devices that range from high to low tech aids. To browse their many products, please visit www.mayer-johnson.com.
