4/9/09
Communication Technology
Hey everybody! I had a question on my mind the night we talked about intellectual disabilities and autism. I know there is a lot of technology out there that helps people with these kinds of disabilities to communicate. I was wondering if using these kinds of technologies helps these students to become more vocal and to rely less on the technology they use or if the often become more dependent on them. I understand that they would be very necessary when it comes to needing to communicate so I can certainly see why they are used. However, do people who use this kind of technology still work on using voice to communicate if they are capable? Just a thought.
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I think it could go either way. As long as the instructor continues to stress that child only uses the device to help with communication and prompts to the child to use their own personal form of communication as well. In the end I feel that it is up to the instructor to make sure the device is only used to help and doesn't allow the child to become completley dependent upon it.
ReplyDeleteFor Jack using PECS and manual sign and now written words has helped his speech production. For him seeing the structure of "I want a drink" either on the PECS board, in sign or in words it has been like a visual prompt for him to communicate through speech each individual word...kind of like a pacing board. As Eric mentioned above...we his therapists and I have always encouraged speech along with using the other means...any speech attempt at first and now we are working towards more clear speech. I do believe it depends on the child and the instruction....facinating isn't it! :)
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