Communication With Assistive Technology

Assistive technology refers to technology used to increase the capabilities of people with disabilities. One such area assistive technology helps with includes overcoming communication disorders. Communication disorders involve vocal and/or hearing impairments.

History

• An early form of assistive technology for communication disorders included storyboards, which involves pointing to pictures in order to communicate ideas. Unfortunately, due to space issues, storyboards limit vocabulary.

Types

• The Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program, a federal organization which provides services to people with disabilities, recommends three types of assistive technology to improve communication: word prediction software, augmentative devices, and voice amplifiers.

Word Prediction Software

• Word prediction software makes typing easier by predicting what words you will be typing, reducing the need for as many keystrokes. The software predicts words based on terms you frequently, and recently, used.

Augmentative Devices

• In many ways augmentative devices work as modern day storyboards, using colorful pictures to symbolize words. Being electronic, augmentative devices enables a larger vocabulary, as physical space for a symbol becomes a non-factor.

Voice Amplifiers

• Voice amplifiers work by increasing the volume of your voice, which increases comprehension of your vocal communication.

Availability

• Talking to an occupational therapist serves as a good starting point in obtaining assistive technologies. Occupational therapists are trained to assess appropriate assistive technology needed to improve an individual's quality of life.