CD 485 Computer Applications in
Communication Disorders and Sciences
SECTION VI:
Personal Computers as a communication aid.
1. 1. A classic
example of a personal computer being used to enable an individual to continue
in a professional capacity (much to the benefit of humanity) despite a
debilitating neural disability, is the story of Dr.
Stephen Hawking.
If possible, please rent from your local video store the
movie, “A Brief History Of Time.” This is a movie about the theories of Dr.
Hawking, but it is also about his life.
Particularly germane to our discussion at hand, is the disability he
acquired (ALS) and the effects it had on his ability to communicate. The two questions I would like you to address
(for test taking purposes) are these:
What
was his disability and how specifically did it effect
his ability to communicate?
What
measures (computer and non computer) were used to help him regain his ability
to communicate.
In
addition to (or in lieu of…)the movie, some
information regarding Dr. Hawking’s life can be obtained
from the following web site:
and on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS),
http://www.lougehrigsdisease.net/
Dr. Hawkings has used a
product from Words+
called EZ Keys for years…
http://www.words-plus.com/website/stories/hawking.htm
and
http://www.words-plus.com/website/products/soft/ezkeys.htm
2. Another example of a personal computer which
is provided with special software to function as a communication aid is Lingraphica.
This is basically a Macintosh laptop computer with the capability to
provide programmed speech output. It’s software provides a language palate based on a
categorical hierarchical system from the general to the more specific. Hence, it would be an
good example of a dynamic screen. To
gain more information about Lingraphica, please use a
Google search.
3. An analogous program for PC laptop computers
is the Freedom 2000 Lite by Words Plus. This is a small, portable computer-based
communication system with the performance capabilities of a full-sized notebook
computer. It weighs just four pounds and is small enough to fit into a purse or
a small briefcase. It has a lithium-ion battery, a touch screen LCD display,
and EZ Keys and Talking Screen software. It can be used by users of all levels,
including non-literate or non-speaking individuals, and by individuals who
prefer using pictures and symbols to communicate. The service includes a three-year warranty,
and free software upgrades for life.
4. 4.
Another computer is the Prentke-Romack AXS 1600. This is a Portable Computer with a fully
functional Windows 98 operating system and one of two communication packages:
Vanguard Unity for Windows, or WiViK2 Scan/WiVox.
Input is possible with a built-in touch screen or pen, a mouse, a trackball, a HeadMaster, or a
Switch cable for 1 to 4 switches. MouseTool, a
special program for mouse clicks, is included. This computer weighs 5.5lbs and
is easy to carry or mount on a wheelchair. It is equipped with a 56K modem for
faxing or Internet access. Both
communication packages include speech output software.
.
Check
this web site for further information is:
http://www.prentrom.com/speech/axs.html
A disadvantage of personal computers, when they are used
as a communication device, is their expense and fragility. It is too easy for a motor impaired child to
drop a computer or jar it severely. With
the exception of laptops, personal computers are also typically very bulky and
heavy. Laptops are more portable, but with their LCD screens, they are still
difficult to use out of doors in direct sunlight. However, as the technology improves, these
disadvantages may significantly diminish.
In the meantime, there are a plethora of dedicated computerized devices
to consider, which have been designed to aid disabled communicators
.