Week 11, Module 2

While searching the Enablemart website, I was reminded of my undergraduate studies in speech pathology. There was an emphasis on communication devices, both low and high tech. One of the major differences between humans and animals, is the ability to verbally communicate. For as long as humans have walked the earth, individuals who were unable to communicate had very few, if any, tools to communicate. It is amazing that technology has given these individuals a way to have their voice heard. When viewing the second video in module 2, I thought how wonderful that woman must feel to finally be able to express herself.

I came across the hearing section of the Enablemart website and realized hearing and visual impairments are probably the most common disabilities found in a workplace and school. The level of impairment will of course vary greatly. I would expect technology devices aimed at these 2 impairments would be quite advantageous. Keeping in mind of course that other disabilities will need to be addressed depending on the needs of the workplace or school.

Module 2, discovery exercise 2 asks us to provide 3 simple accommodations in an environment to assist a co-worker.

• For someone bound to a wheelchair, creating an open environment free of clutter is essential. Moving furniture and eliminating unnecessary floor clutter will accomplish this.
• For a low vision impairment, making sure workplace signs are in large font sizes is a simple environmental change
• having appropriate furniture for persons with wheelchairs is also an essential for the workplace environment (i.e. low filing cabinets, appropriate height desks, etc.)

Assistive technology is without a doubt, helpful to those who need it. However each assistive technology device whether low tech, high tech, software, hardware, needs to be properly evaluated. What may work well for one student, will not be the right choice for another even if they share they same disability.

It is also important for the caregivers and teachers to understand and receive training on the assistive technology. It will only serve as a help if the student, teachers, and caregivers understand the device.

Below is a needs assessment and suggested hardware for a student with cerebral palsy.

Identified Disability: Cerebral Palsy (CP) For the fictional student this assignment requires, he has low vision, poor intelligibility (understanding his speech), and limited dexterity.

Background Information: This population was chosen due to the high number of those diagnosed with CP. According to The United Cerebral Palsy Foundation, an estimated 800,000 people cope with symptoms associated with CP. Due to the unchanged birth rate of babies who develop cerebral palsy over the past 30 years, the condition continues to be a concern http://www.ninds.nih.gov/.  Assistant technology has become a necessity for students with cerebral palsy in both mild and severe cases.

People with cerebral palsy may have any combination of the following: 

• seizures
• mental disabilities 
• auditory problems 
• visual problems 
• communication problems 
• dexterity problems

Selected Hardware Tools:

1. MACAW 5 Standard (Digital Recording Communication Device) 

• This communication device was chosen to address the student’s poor intelligible speech and its versatility in overlays and recordings allowing the device to adapt as the user’s needs change. 
• A person with intelligible speech records sentences or words representing each button on the device. Pictures or words are chosen as overlays. User then pushes on the appropriate key to communicate. 
• Offers versatility in overlay options 
• Versatility in keyboard set up, allowing up to 32 keys, allowing for growth as user needs change 
• Cost: $1,899.00 – $2,140.00 
• Available online http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/AAC-Devices/MACAW-5 

2. IntelliKeys USB 

• This hardware was chosen for it’s enlarged keyboard and interchangeable overlays. Due to the poor fine motor skills, or dexterity, the student is unable to use a traditional keyboard. The enlarged keys will also aide his low vision. 
• Enlarged programmable keyboard for those unable to use a standard mouse or keyboard 
• Large keys and changeable overlays 
• May be used on both Microsoft and Macintosh computers 
• Cost: $395.00 
• Available online http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Alternative-Keyboards/IntelliKeys-USB

3. Victor Reader ClassicX Audio Player 

• This devise is chosen for the student’s low vision and difficulty reading from print in text material and the large control buttons 
• Offers an auditory option for reading books or magazines 
• Large button controls offer easy navigation for limited dexterity 
• Portability 
• Cost: $379.00 – $395.00 
• Available online http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Talking-Books/Victor-ReaderClassicX-Digital-Audio-Book-Players