Assistive Technology

I just watched an assisted technology device called Text Speak on You Tube.  The Text Speak has different pictures with corresponding messages that can be placed on a touch pad screen.  This allows a person to touch a picture on Text Speak and have it communicate the pictures corresponding message through a speaker.  For example, if a picture of a girl was pressed Text Speak could say,"I want."  If a second picture of a watch displaying 12:00pm was pressed Text Speak could say, "lunch." Therefore Text Speak would communicate, "I want lunch".

Text Speak seems to be a great technology tool that could help support people that could hear and understand speech but not communicate with others.   For example, people with Autism, Cerebral  Palsy, or someone that has had a traumatic brain injury that has affected their speech could possibly benefit with using Text Speaks technology.  In the classroom Text Speak could help a student communicate their needs, wants, or choices that he or she may have to others.  Being able to communicate gives s student a sense of normalcy and control over their lives.  Using Text Speak could assist with classroom behaviors such as socialization with others and learning tolerance and acceptance of others.

Communication is a good starting point in becoming successful in life.  As an elementary teacher, I feel Text Speak and technology like it could be used as a starting point in building a students foundation. It also allows me to understand the needs and wants of my students so that I can be a better teacher.  Using technology like Text Speak enriches the students and teachers lives by creating a positive learning environment.  Communication between a student and teacher is important.