AAC Devices @ Adaptivetechsolutions.com Provides Multiple Ways to Communicate

 

Augmentative and Alternative Communication - AAC is useful for individuals having some kind of speech and communication difficulties. They cannot rely on their speech and thus AAC devices incorporate the individual's full communication abilities. Usually AAC devices encompass existing speech or vocalizations, gestures, manual signs, and aided communication. Adaptive Tech Solutions offers augmentative and alternative communication devices that are truly multimodal, permitting individuals to use every mode possible to communicate.

Adaptive Tech Solutions offer a full assortment of educational toys, switch mounts, switches, and speech therapy products for special needs individuals. They also offer special needs toys specially customized to allow individuals with physical disabilities the chance to play and learn as easily as possible.

Communication devices, such as those offered at Adaptive Tech Solutions, are often referred to as voice boxes, talking boxes, voice machines, voice buttons, talking buttons and speech devices.

One of the many happy customers at Adaptive Tech Solutions, Audrey S. (United States) says, “Great source for people with disabilities and awesome products.”

According to the website spokesperson at Adaptive Tech Solutions, AAC devices are all-encompassing, she says, “Regardless of what you call them, they are devices that help people with poor speech or no speech communicate their wants and needs.”

Alternative communication devices are significant tools for users facing difficulty communicating via speech due to congenital and/or acquired disabilities occurring across the lifespan.

Adaptive Tech Solutions offers multiple Alternative Communication Devices including:

• Talkbook Four
• StepPad
• Big Button
• Picture Cue Cards
• GoTalk Duo
• GoTalk 4+ Lite Touch
• Vinyl picture pockets
• Talk n Tote Boards

One of the most popular AAC devices at Adaptive Tech Solutions is the GoTalk Fit, a portable communication device with keypad cover and levels. It is an easy-to-use 4 or 9 message voice output device. Activate the easy on/off switch and begin to record messages on each of 3 levels for a total of 12 or 27 messages in this small handheld device. It is a powerful communication device that's hand-held for quick access. It is an amazing tool for students to use in school. Moreover, the GoTalk Fit is a nice, basic communication device for individuals who have communication impairments from strokes or other ailments and need a very basic device to put in their pocket or on a device lanyard for quick communication interaction.

About Adaptive Tech Solutions

Adaptive Tech Solutions is a therapist owned and operated company offering best performing technology and solutions for various disabilities. They offer a complete line of affordable assistive technology devices and special needs tools to help kids and adults with disabilities.

Taking the Confusion Out Of Assistive Technology

 

What is a switch adapted toy/device and who would use it?

If a person has an inability to use their hands to push buttons or manipulate toys, then those items need to be adapted so a switch can be plugged into them. A switch is a button, lever or device that senses movement. These allow people with disabilities larger buttons to push, or in some cases even sensitive levers or sensors that recognize very small movements. Some users activate these switches with their hands, some with their heads, knees, feet, or other body parts that they can consistently move.

Toys or devices, such as caregiver alerts, that have been modified electronically to let you plug the switch into it. Then when the switch is pressed, the toy or device will begin working. Depending on the toy or device, some will work only when the switch is pressed, and some will continue working for a limited amount of time after the switch has been released. (These are usually toys that play through a song before stopping.)

Switches:

Switches come in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors. We happen to carry several styles of switches. Usually the choice of switch is dependent on the user and the circumstance of the use. Brightly colored switches are best for individuals with limited attention, CVI, or visual impairments. For users with poor motor skills who can’t accurately locate a smaller target area, try a switch with a larger surface area such as the Big Mack. If fine motor skills are intact, you can look at a switch with a smaller surface area. Our Switch It Up! is perfect for switch users with adequate ability to locate a 3” surface and apply a moderate amount of pressure. For individuals with extremely limited movement (such as SMA, ALS) try a micro switch such as our Micro Switch or Micro Light. Some switch users can’t use their hands. So, other switch placements must be explored. There are chin switches, pillow switches (which are great for head activations, especially while in bed), and many other switch types. If you have a special situation and can’t decide which switch would be best, contact us for assistance. Below are some examples of switches.

Switch Adapted toys or devices:

These are toys or devices that have been adapted to allow a switch to be plugged into them. Nearly all of our toys or devices are already adapted to accept a switch. They are designated by this symbol:  The few that aren't adapted will be listed as such on our site. Some toys only play while the switch is being activated, while others will allow the user to press and release their switch to activate the toy for a short duration before it stops on its own. Since each toy is different, we try to give information in the description of the toy and also provide videos of most toys. In the videos, you will see the switch either being pressed and held, or pressed and released to make the toy "go". 

Interfaces that go between a switch and a toy/device allow a user press and release their switch to keep the toy "going" once they release their switch. This is called latching. Or, you can set it to timer mode where once the user presses and releases their switch, the toy will continue to activate for a preset period of time (as set by the interface). For battery operated toys, this interface is a Switch, Latch, Timer (SLAT). For items that plug in, the interface would be the Powerlink. These interfaces do not work with toys that go for a short duration on their own (i.e., recite a song or story, or otherwise 'go' even after the switch has been released) and they do not work with items such as CD players.

Battery interrupters:

Battery interrupters allow the adaption of a battery operated toy to be easily adapted to use a switch. Simply insert our battery interrupter between "AA", "AAA", "C", or "D" batteries and make most items switch activated. This is a great option if you have a favorite toy or vocational-related device that needs to be adapted. They work with devices that have an on/off switch. and do not required the pressing of a button, squeezing or remote controlled. Choose the size based on the battery size your device uses.

For more information about Switch Toys For Special Needs and visit Adaptive Tech Solutions

 

 

Computer Adaptations for People with Parkinson’s Disease

 

According to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, Parkinson’s Is second only to Alzheimer's as the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the United States. A diagnosis of Parkinson’s can lead to frustrating experiences while typing or using a computer mouse. There are, however, some adaptations and accessibility settings that can make these tasks much easier. These same accommodations can benefit those with tremors and diseases such as MS.

Keyboard Control

A common symptom of Parkinson’s is uncontrollable tremors. This results in extra keystrokes and difficulty with mouse control. In Windows, turning the Bounce Key function on will help to control the number of keystrokes made  when keys are pressed. This can be accomplished on Windows 7 or later by:

• simultaneously clicking the ‘Windows logo Key’ + ‘U’ to reach the Ease of Access Center. (Or search ‘Ease of Access’ in the search bar.)
• Selecting “Make the keyboard easier to use” under Explore All Settings.
• Then selecting Turn Filter Keys on and choosing the options that you feel will best assist you with keyboard input.

Additional PC accessibility functions can be found here.

For Mac users, go to the accessibility settings to enable similar features such as Slow Keys. Find more details here and check out software that steadies the mouse and locks it onto targets, such as SteadyMouse.

Individuals with Parkinson’s may benefit from a keyboard with larger keys. Keyboards like the BigBlu Kinderboard Large Key Keyboard and the VisionBoard Large Key Wireless Keyboard have large 1” keys that make typing easier.

Both Mac and PC users can use their voice to navigate around their computer and type, too.

Mouse Control

Mouse use can also be challenging for individuals with tremors. Using a large trackball mouse such as the Bigtrack Ball Mouse and adjusting mouse speed in your computer's settings can make mouse use much easier. Another option is to use Mouse Keys (again, a setting on your computer). This allows the cursor to be moved using the up and down arrows on the keyboard. And for individuals that choose to use mouse or mouse key input, consider using your computer's On Screen Keyboard instead of an actual keyboard. Additionally, try the free demo of Steady Mouse software to steady your mouse movements.

Individuals that have difficulty with mouse clicks can use a mouse with larger buttons, like the Bigtrack Ball Mouse shown below. It is available in a wireless version, too. Or they can use dwell click software that automatically clicks if the cursor is held in a location for a preset amount of time. Check out Dwell Clicker 2 for Windows or Dwell Click for Mac for this functionality.

For more information about Adaptive Computer Mouse and Handicapped Assistive Devices visit here Adaptive Tech Solutions