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Presenters
Jamie Judd-Wall
Technology and Inclusion
1011 Meredith #2
Austin, TX 78748
Phone: 512 280 7235
Fax: 512 291 1113
Email: jamie@taicenter.com
In this session we will review that range of written expression options as a component of augmentative communication for youths with disabilities. The three components addressed will be 1. symbol based writing as demonstrated by students using PixWriter and Writing with Symbols, 2. on-screen options as demonstrated by students using REACH and Co-Writer and 3. traditional word processing options as demonstrated by students using Microsoft Office X. Sample of work produced in each format will be reviewed. The discussion will center on the appropriate uses of each format of production and transitioning students through this hierarchy.
The symbol based writing process will be demonstrated through videotape vignettes, writing samples collected, and software demonstrations in the workshop. The students included in this sample will include middle and high school students with autism.
The on-screen writing process will include demonstrations of Smart Key technology and word prediction, both text based processes, as demonstrated by students with cerebral palsy. These vignettes include a discussion of rate enhancement and productivity.
The traditional writing process will include the use of standard word processing systems by students that have been through a training series using symbol based and predictive technologies. Writing samples across a year's training will be reviewed from a high school student with autism.
Discussion will focus on the role of writing as a component of the communication process, especially as it applies to students with communication disabilities such as autism. The connection between verbal and written expression will also be included in the discussion.
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