Welcome!

Our assistive and adaptive technology blog was created as a class assignment to gather information about some of the assistive technology available and to compile it into one place on the web (one blog). We started this blog, each choosing one piece of technology we found interesting, then each created a post to share it. Each entry tells about one assistive device and gives a detailed summary of its function. It should include at least some type of visual (picture, image, video) and a link to another page where more information can be found about each product.

In class we learned about how assistive and adaptive technology helps the lives of many individuals who have either physical or cognitive limits due to disability, age, or other reasons. We watched video of how these assistive devices can help an individual to receive a more authentic education, and a more independent life beyond the realm of school. This technology is important, especially in schools, because it allows a child with a disability or other limitation to have a more independent and meaning educational experience. Without the use of these assistive devices, education for many of our students with disabilities would not be valuable and they would not be able to meet their potential.

We hope you enjoy the information, some of the devices available today are simply amazing in what they can do! Most of all we hope we've help to portray what assistive technology can do for students in a classroom. We would greatly appreciate any comments on the information we have gathered.

Thank you!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Braille Notetaker

New Braille technology has given hope for those who are visually impaired. Take for example electronic Braille Notetakers. These devises are small, portable devices with braille keyboards for entering information. They use a speech synthesizer for output. The person enters the information on the Braille keyboard and has the option of transferring it to a larger computer with more memory reviewing it using the built in speech synthesizer or braille display, or printing it on a braille or ink-print printer. The cost of an electronic Braille Notetaker can range anywhere from 1,000 - 15,000 just depending on all the features and upgrades and such. Here is a link to a similar such device http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFQMLc2vO4U
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Thursday, January 28, 2010

SmartNav by NaturalPoint- A Hands Free Mouse

SmartNav by NaturalPoint is a hands-free mouse that allows individuals with limited movements or the inability to control a computer mouse the freedom to still have control of a computer. The SmartNav technology uses n infrared camera to track the movements of one's body to help navigate a computer. With the SmartNav hand-free mouse, individuals with ASL, Muscular Dystrophy, MS, RSI, and Quadriplegia, can independently move the cursor across an entire screen and click without depending on the use of the hands.
SmartNav runs on a system where the infrared camera tracks the movement of a reflective dot. The camera should be placed on or near the computer facing the indivudal. The reflective dot should be placed upon any preferred part of the user's body or clothing. Reccommended placed for the reflective dot include: head, hand, hat, glasses, or mic boom. This assistive technology is easily adaptable to most individuals needs.

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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

icommunicator

icommunicator is used as a assisitve technology device to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing. It converts speech into text and speech into video sign language. It also converts speech into text to computer generated video. It helps people improve their speech and vocabulary. There are many features to icommunicator. It has a dictionary and thesaurus. It has a 30,000 word signing library and a 250,000 English word library. It can search the web and has itext which allows to translate text from web pages, email, word documents and other software application. It is a great tool, to help the person using this device to communicate and educate. The icommunicator help the deaf students by showing American Sign Language(ASL) signs in English word order to improve speech,writing, and signed words. To help promote better literacy levels than traditional ASL. It helps improve the quality of life, expand opportunities for advancement and success in Education and Employment. This product is widely use to help people with everyday activities.






Check out more about the icommunicator
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