Assistive Technology

by Kylie Ebeling

Most of us are generally aware of electronic or computerized devices that assist individuals who have sight, hearing, speech or mobility challenges. For example, screen reader software provides an aural (auditory) translation of the text information on the screen, overcoming visual challenges; and voice recognition software allows people to navigate with voice rather than a keyboard, overcoming mobility challenges …  
Assistive technology enables individuals to master tasks at home, school or work and increases their independence and quality of life. 

ESU 2 speech language pathologist Kylie Ebeling is using Boardmaker Plus software with her students. The basic Boardmaker program contains over 4,500 picture communication symbols and templates to create schedules, calendars, instructional sequences... and more. Boardmaker Plus is the talking version; it creates dynamic onscreen talking pages.

Here is what Ebeling and her students like about the Plus version: 

“With the regular Boardmaker software, everything has to be printed out, so a lot of paper and printer ink is wasted.  Boardmaker Plus can do everything that the regular Boardmaker software can do with an added bonus that it is aurally interactive, so nothing has to be printed.

“I’ve created several different articulation and language activities for students of all ages. The students love being able to use the computer and they are a lot more engaged in the activities versus when we do the same type of activities on paper."

Assistive technology.  Any item, piece of equipment, or system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is commonly used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. 
[Rehabilitation Act: Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards]

Note: this video is neither produced nor endorsed by ESU 2. It does, however, demonstrate the software.