High Technology AAC
High-tech AAC aids permit the storage and retrieval of electronic messages, with most allowing the user to communicate using speech output. A device's speech output may be digitized and/or synthesized: digitized systems play recorded words or phrases and are generally more intelligible while synthesized speech uses text-to-speech software that can be harder to understand but that permits the user to spell words or phrases.
Examples of High Technology Devices
Tool 1: Advanced Communication Boards are similar to the communication boards talked about in the low technology section but have a few key differences. Advanced Communication Boards are digital and have more options. The student would choose the category and a list of options and pictures would appear. The student then clicks the appropriate picture and the board says the action. If the student was trying to convey that they are hungry and want to eat chicken. The user would select the food category and look for the picture of the chicken. The device would then repeat the word out loud to the person the user is trying to communicate with. This device requires some training and the user needs time to adjust to using the board.
Tool 2: A text to speech programs allows the user to type in what they want to say and the program will read the text out loud, Natural Reader is an example of a text to communication program. The software can convert any written text such as MS Word, Webpage, PDF files, and Emails into spoken words. NaturalReader can also convert any written text into audio files such as MP3 or WAV for your CD player or iPod. The user can convert any file and use the software later to hear the text. The software requires some training and it requires a device to run the software. The user would have to have access to a tablet, computer or laptop. The software is expensive but it is a great communication tool. The video below shows you how to download Natural reader and set it up on a computer or laptop.
Resources/ Links
http://praacticalaac.org/?wpfb_dl=20
Dell, Amy G., Newton, Deborah A., Petroff, Jerry G., (2012) Assistive Technology in the Classroom.
http://www.setbc.org/setbc/communication/aac_nontech_toolkit.html
http://kc.vanderbilt.edu/kennedy_files/AACChildrenwithASD-April12.pdf
Dell, Amy G., Newton, Deborah A., Petroff, Jerry G., (2012) Assistive Technology in the Classroom.
http://www.setbc.org/setbc/communication/aac_nontech_toolkit.html
http://kc.vanderbilt.edu/kennedy_files/AACChildrenwithASD-April12.pdf