Proloquo2go
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Non-verbal communicators are slowly, but surely getting their voice back. They are no longer required to carry a binder full of flashcards (communication tool). They can use Proloquo2Go (Apple App) with an Ipod touch, Ipad or Iphone to share their ideas, knowledge and feelings. I believe that accessibility and adaptability are two key words to keep in mind when creating any communication tools for LD (non-verbal) students. My partner and I kept these two words in mind when creating the communication tool for Felishia. Based on the information, time allocated, and familiarity with the App my partner and I did our best to meet all the needs of our student. The entire experience was gratifying. I believed that Felishia will be having an easier time to communicate with her peers, teachers and family.
My observations during the creation of the Communication tool
My partner and I needed to remind ourselves that we were creating a communication tool for someone else. It sometimes felt like we were both trying to impose our likes above Felishia’s. This is why we kept our LD learners’ profile as vague as possible. We did not want to make assumptions about her needs, and daily realities (mostly used info provided in profile)
It would have been much easier to have more information about the LD learner, her family and classmates. All LD students have to right to get a tailored communication tool. A tight cooperation between educators, student and their parent(s) is crucial in creating a communication tool that will benefit all. We made sure to use simple words/vocabulary that can be understand by the many individuals Felishia will encounter on a daily basis.
Joint attention between all the individuals creating the communication tool is necessary. It took my partner and me hours to create minimal work. While doing the activity, one could not stop wondering how much time it takes to create a complete communication board with Proloquo2go?
Future improvements to existing communication tool
Felishia’s communication tool will have to be modified as the year goes by because her needs and abilities will most likely change in the span of a school year.
My partner and me created folders that would not require Felishia to press too many buttons because she mostly uses one hand. We spaced the folders and included a 0.1 sec time delay to make sure that she gets time to control her hand movement on the Ipad, I phone or Ipod Touch. It is alosselected the lighter to carry around. Furthermore, most schools will purchase Ipads and not Ipod/Iphone to be utilized by LD students during the school day. My partner and I did not know Felishia financial realities at home. One could not assume if she used an Ipod touch, Ipad or I phone. Are families with LD children entitled to financial assistance to purchase technological devices that will help their child communicate with others?
Finally, while doing the proloquo2go activity, one has no choice but to realize that not all human think the same way. In order for effective communication to take place one needs to have an ‘organized’ thinking process. Unfortunately, this does not always happen for LD learners (verbal and non-verbal). The information they try to convey can often get lost in translation.
The Power of Simple Words by: Tein Izil
&
Rethinking thinking by: Trevor Maber (TED Education)
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