Michigan State University Extension
Diversity and Pluralism - DP120305
12/95/
ERIC TITLE NUMBER: ED288291 AUTHOR: Kinzer, Gay
TITLE: Augmentative Communication with Computer Assist.
YEAR PUBLISHED: 1987
NOTE: 9 p.; Paper presented at the Annual Convention of the
Council for Exceptional Children (65th, Chicago, IL, April
20-24, 1987).
ABSTRACT: To provide a communication method for children
who are non-verbal due to hearing impairments, brain
damage, or malformed oral structures, sign language and
language boards have been utilized. However, these methods
have limitations, and alternate means of communication have
been explored. An Apple 2E computer with an echo speech
synthesizer was programmed to meet the students'
requirements, and a Muppet keyboard was attached for direct
access by the students. Overlays, custom-designed for each
student, were fitted onto the keyboard and contained
functional vocabulary relating to school, daily activities,
and feelings. The children pressed the desired word square
to have the computer say that word or phrase. The
augmentative device was used for communication with the
teacher and other students and for academic lessons in
reading, phonics, and math. Techniques are presented in
this teacher-developed material for dealing with specific
disabilities, such as visual impairments and students who
cannot isolate a pointing finger. (JDD)
KEY DESCRIPTORS: Artificial-Speech; Elementary-Secondary
Education; Input-Output-Devices; Nonverbal-Communication
KEY DESCRIPTORS: *Assistive-Devices-for-Disabled;
*Communication-Aids-for-Disabled; *Communication-Disorders;
*Computer-Uses-in-Education; *Speech-Handicaps
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