I work with several adults who are in the midst of transitioning to new devices. Their old devices are no longer supported by the manufacturers. The new devices look and feel different, even though they come from the same company.…
Author: Kathryn Helland
Light Tech Eye Gaze: A Place to Start
When we consider eye gaze AAC, we often think of really expensive devices with built in “magic” cameras (actually infrared cameras, but they seem like magic to me). We don’t have to go straight to super high tech to enable…
Face Tracking and Eye Gaze for the iPhone and iPad: Access and AAC
At long last, apps are beginning to appear that take advantage of Apple’s True Depth camera to provide eye gaze control on the latest iPhone or iPad Pro. There are actually two cameras; your usual selfie camera and an infrared…
Communicating is About Relating
When we demand communication from an AAC user, we risk making communication feel like work. We want it to be about relationships. Forcing someone to use their device can build task demand-related anxiety. Let’s remember to use least to most…
Low Tech Core Boards For High Tech Apps
Core boards are a great way to introduce vocabulary and begin to build language. They contain everyday, high frequency words. These words comprise 80% of what the ‘typical’ speaker says by the age of two. A core board can be…
Communication Boards
Communication Boards and Picture Resources Edited 12/06/18: Core boards for math and language arts added. Center-based Core for Symbol-Supported Learning in the Classroom This post has always contained core boards for use at the library, or in cooking. I thought…
AAC Assessment
What is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Evaluation? An evaluation means reviewing all the ways a person currently communicates, and providing ideas for enhancing communication. AAC evaluations must be done by a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist. Depending on the…
Vote Like Your Life Depends On It
We live in a participatory democracy. Whatever your political beliefs, our society is best served when everyone takes part in the electoral process. And I mean everyone! People with disabilities are often disenfranchised; from inaccessible polling places, to lack of…
Not Just a Month….
Click on the image below to download the PDF.
TechOWLPa.org is live!
Do you live in Pennsylvania and need technology to help you lead your life? The Assistive Technology programs at the Institute on Disabilities have a new website. It is now easier to find out about all the services, including the…