TE 805 Overview of Assistive Technology - Communications Board

Reflective Statement:
Assistive technology has always been an interest of mine in that it truly showcases how technology can help improves people’s lives. This Power Point for the class TE 805 Overview of Assistive Technology is just one illustration of using technology as an aid. This PowerPoint is an example of a communications board that can be used with individuals who have difficulty speaking.

Process Statement:
The process of creating this assistive technology was initially difficult in that as an Army instructor we do not instruct individuals with disabilities that require assistive technology. Finally I came up with the scenario that a soldier returning from Iraq was exposed to an IED (improvised explosive device), and has suffered injuries to his voice box. Although he can perform most duties normally, he cannot yell out commands and speaking in general is difficult. Based off of this scenario I created a serious of communication boards, presented in PowerPoint format, to be used in testing this soldier’s ability to conduct a PT session.

Assessment Statement:
It is fascinating how effective a simple thing like a communications board can be at solving a problem as to how to facilitate someone who has difficulty speaking. Future modifications to this communications board would be to make it a bit more high tech and make each section clickable so as to have an automated voice express what is selected. By adding this modification the user of this assistive technology would gain even more independence. As a senior instructor I will use this technique should this hypothetical situation ever occur in real life. Some of the skills utilized were: PowerPoint skills, Photo manipulation, user analysis, process analysis, testing modification and an understanding of assistive technologies in general.

PORTFOLIO ITEM:
TE 805 Overview of Assistive Technology - Communications Board (new window will open)

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