Assistive Technologies (AT) Supporting Accessibility and Inclusion
AT encompasses equipment, software, and systems to assist individuals with special needs to maintain or enhance their abilities. They give students with special needs the same chances and choices as other students. They can boost students confidence and self-esteem.
Proloquo2Go is an award-winning AAC app that enables non-speaking children and adults to express themselves confidently and initiate conversations. Trusted by hundreds of thousands worldwide, it is highly flexible and can be personalized to cater to individual needs and various disabilities.
It is a full-featured communication solution for individuals who have difficulty using their natural voice. TouchChat is designed for individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, ALS, apraxia, stroke, or other conditions that affect a person’s ability to use natural speech. TouchChat fits into the category of assistive technology known as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and includes features that were previously only available in much more expensive dedicated devices. Words, phrases and messages are spoken with a built-in voice synthesizer or by playing a recorded message. Various English, Spanish and French synthesized voices are available, allowing the user to choose a voice that fits their own personality. Most voices are standard and other can be purchased through the upgrade store within the app. TouchChat can be used for individuals with a wide variety of access needs.
Sounding Board app is one way of incorporating iPads for communication skills. It is fully customizable and allows for the caregiver to choose what vocabulary the child will work on. The Step Up AT to Promote Early Literacy Project (Step Up AT) is an innovative professional development resource to increase teacher and parent knowledge of evidenced based assistive technology (AT) practices to increase early literacy outcomes for preschool children with disabilities. Through interactive online modules, access to AT devices, and expert coaching, teachers and parents learn how to identify children’s needs and incorporate AT to increase their participation in early literacy activities at home and school. Learn more at www.stepupat.org.
Be my eyes is an app that is providing greater accessibility to blind people or people who have low-level vision. They are accomplishing this goal by connecting blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers through live video calls. This app is fantastic for people who want to support others by helping them navigate their surroundings and complete daily tasks via the app. The process is simple. As a blind or low-vision person, whenever you need virtual assistance, you’ll be connected with a volunteer through a live video call. During the call, you are able to communicate to them directly and provide them with the information needed so that they can help you solve your problem.