LOW TECH COMMUNICATION
Low tech devices are essentially devices that do not require electricity. So in regards to communication, pointing, gesturing, and using sign language are all considered low tech communication. The use of certain augmentative communication devices can also be considered low tech. For example, you can use the Mayer-Johnson picture exchange communication system (PECS). This system consists of various symbols, pictures, and phrases that are printed out onto a communication board. The individual can use various PECS symbols to communicate and express various wants and needs.
MID TECH COMMUNICATION
Mid Tech communication devices are electronic but very limited and provide only some basic communication needs. Mid tech augmentative devices are simple and durable, you press a button and it says the word or request. Usually a teacher or parent record their voice for students who are non verbal. These devices are also made to be durable. I personally have students who use these devices and they can get thrown and/or dropped quite a bit, so it's nice to have durability.
HIGH TECH COMMUNICATION
There are two kinds of high tech communication devices, dedicated and non-dedicated systems. Dedicated systems are stand alone devices designed just for augmentative communication. Non-dedicated systems are devices such as computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones with text-to-speech and augmentative communication software. Non-dedicated systems like the ipad have become very popular with the use of new augmentative communication apps such as Proloquo2Go and sounding board. Also companies like Dynavox are making different dedicated high tech communication devices.
When choosing a high tech augmentative device it's important to determine the symbol system, the vocabulary, and the students access method. It's also important to consider factors such as the weight, size, portability, and durability.
Please click the links and watch the videos to learn more about High Tech communication devices!
When choosing a high tech augmentative device it's important to determine the symbol system, the vocabulary, and the students access method. It's also important to consider factors such as the weight, size, portability, and durability.
Please click the links and watch the videos to learn more about High Tech communication devices!
Watch a tutorial on how to use Proloquo2Go!
Dyna vox has a couple different high tech communication devices worth checking out. Here are the links to check out the DynaVox T10, and the DynaVox Light Writer SL40.
Watch this short inspirational video of a DynaVox success story. This is a perfect example of how high tech communication devices can transform someones life.