What type of technology is available to help a student with a communication disorder?

It could be either a device or software. If you could provide a website that would be even better. I am doing some research on communication disorders and this information would be really helpful.What type of technology is available to help a student with a communication disorder?
It depends on the communication disorder and what it is due to. If the student is unable to speak then an alternative has to be found. This can range from a pen and notebook if the student can write, a small computer (ie PDA, Mini laptop) with speech software, to a device which speaks for the person.



If understanding is the issue you probably need to make things more visual. The most common method of extra visual information is writing followed by pictures. There is a good set of pictures called boardmaker or compic which are line drawings to represent different words, actions, etc. Boardmaker is software and is usually used on the "speaking" devices aswell as with programs which allow someone who uses them to write and talk using a computer.



There are many companies who make devices which "speak" which are called AC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication) Devices. A really good one I've found is Dynavox although there are others.
Something I forgot to say about boardmaker and pic's originally is that you can print them off and put them on boards, walls, etc and also give the person so they can use them to communicate. Basically it is something which can be high or low tech.

Report Abuse

What type of technology is available to help a student with a communication disorder?
PECS - picture exchange communication system is fantastic for helping children with communication difficulties - you can create PECS using a software called 'inclusive writer'. Also theres a big MAC which is like a big button with a voice recorder inside - at my school the teacher will record their voice saying good morning or something and all the child has to do is press the button (if they are unable to communicate).
Look under AAC devices . There are many and range from no tech to high tech.

This website offers links to many, many vendors.



http://aac.unl.edu/AACVI1.html



Amnog them are Prentke Romich, DynaVox Technologies, both of which offer top of the line computerized devices.

Best of luck!What type of technology is available to help a student with a communication disorder?
Too numerous to mention -

do a search on "assistive technology" for devices;



"Boardmaker" software by Meyer-Johnson is the most often used these days to support non-verbal communication. It utilizes pictures symbols.