icommunicator
The iCommunicator is a higher technology software program that aids in the communication of people who are deaf, hearing impaired, or have other communication disorders. It consists of a headset with microphone and a computer program. The person who is speaking wears the headset with the microphone, which is connecting into a computer. As the person is speaking those words appear on the computer and the words are also presented in American Sign Language. This program contains the Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional version, which allows for speech and voice recognition. The program also contains a feature that will allow any documents to be translated.
The program costs a little over $6,000.00.
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Card / Language Master
This device can help encourage vocalization by simply using the device repetitively. The Language Master is an electronic device about the size of an answering machine that plugs into an outlet. The cards, which are approximately 3" by 8" with a "recordable strip" across the bottom, are played by running the card through the Language Master in a action that would be similar to sliding a credit card through a credit card machine. A short verbal message can be recorded on each card. The cards are also big enough to include corresponding visual cues (e.g., words, PECs, photos) of the recorded message. This system allows independent work with immediate reinforcement.
This product retails for about $268.00.
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Leapfrog's Fridge Magnetic Set
This toy makes learning phonics easy and fun with colorful, easy-grip magnetic letters and magnetic letter reader that attaches securely to your fridge. When each letter is put into the slot it reads the letter out loud and sings the letter sounds with a learning songs.
Awards Won by this Toy:
2006 Children's Technology Review, Editor's Choice Award
2005 Toy Industry Association, TOTY Award - Infant/Preschool Toy of the Year
This product retails for $21.00. All this information was taken directly from leapfrog's web page.
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Click HERE to find more information about this toy and where to buy it.
Leapfrog's Word Builder
This toy helps students build over 325 words through three different levels of play including Load a Letter, Word Play and Word Building. All pieces attach securely to any magnetic surface.
- Lights follow letters to reinforce the learning
- Helps develop rhyming skills and teach word building for three-letter words.
- Features big, bright letters that are easy for little fingers to grasp to help develop fine motor skills
- Playful phonics songs help children remember the sound each letter makes.
Awards Won for this Toy:
2007 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Platinum Award.
2007 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Special Needs Adaptable Product Award.
2006 Toys "R" Us, Toy Guide for Differently Abled Kids Toy.
2006 Toys "R" Us, Toy Guide for Differently Abled Kids "Ten Toys That Speak to Autism" Toy.
This product retails for $21.00. Information about this product was taken directly from the leapfrog web page.
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Single Button Communication Device
There are a variety of single button communication devices available for students with either visual or communication disabilities. The most basic single button communication device allows users to record a single message, with an average of 2-minute recording time. The button usually comes with interchangeable switch tops in multiple different colors. This button, while mobile, has a 5- inch surface. The next step is very similar, except it allows users to record as many messages as possible, but there is still only a 2-minute total recording time. Pressing the button once will play the first message, and pressing it again will play the next message.
There are also mini single button devices available, which have a 2 cm diameter. These buttons can record one, single message with a 10 second recording time. Another example is a dual message communicator that allows users to record two messages with up to a 2-minute recording time. The device has two buttons and allows students to choose between two different activities.
The price of these assistive technology devices range anywhere from $12.00 for the smaller single button to $156.00 for the larger, multiple- message single button recorder.
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32 Cell Message Communicator
This is a communication device designed for students that are non-verbal. The communicator has 32 available buttons with six different levels that can be used for recording messages. Device is capable of holding 192 (3 second) recordable messages. Includes a carrying handle and requires 4 AA Batteries.
This devices runs about $ 292.95.
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Click HERE to see a similar product, the DynaVox, in action.
Visual Schedules using BoardMaker
A visual schedule can verbally or non verbally depict an order of events/steps that a student needs to follow. Some devices use visuals along with verbal cues to help guide a student in what they need to be doing next.
Specifically, a visual schedule using boardmaker is a nonverbal way to communicate a student’s daily schedule or set of tasks that need to be completed in steps.
Boardmaker is a software program that provides many opportunities for creating visuals in the classroom. The basic software includes 4,500 possible visuals.
This software costs about $150 dollars for the first version. The latest version (version 5) includes a speaking component and costs $389.
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Click HERE to find more information about this toy and where to buy it.