Essentially a voice output communication device, lets non-verbal students, students with limited clarity when speaking and/or those with developmental delays an alternate way to communicate (e.g. those with autism, CP, stroke or apraxia). It allows them to speak clearly with others through the computer and at the same time it increases their own receptive skills. This is because once they start a conversation and they will then receive more accurate, lengthy, and nuanced replies in return. So in other words, expressive language can lead to receptive language.
Dynavox makes a communication tablet that is only about 2 pounds and it is quite slim, at less than 1 inch in thickness. It has a lot of separate programs that allow the user to customize their product. So the individual with their team can really gear it towards their abilities, interests and needs. I have not encountered a student with a voice output communication device yet but now I am more able to respond well to a student in the future who uses one.
Here's a link to their website: https://mydynavox.com/Solutions/T10#DynaVoxCompassSoftware
I find technology allows for many children with disabilities to engage themselves in the class. Technology gives those with little voice the ability to "speak" for themselves and their emotions. In one of the articles I have read about technology and disabilities, there is a sound amplifier for rooms to help those hard of hearing hear what the teacher is saying in a class wide activity.
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