Individuals with Cerebral Palsy may have speech problem, making it hard for them to communicate orally. Advancements in technology have provided alternate forms of communication. There are various assistive tech devices out there that can aid individuals to communicate with the people around them. Communication is essential, regardless of disability. For those that have difficulties expressing needs, ideas, and wants to caregivers and parents, ACC is an invaluable way to bridge the communication gap. In the classroom, ACC helps children with disabilities access the general curriculum and allows them to stay on the same level, or as close as possible.

Augmentative and Alternate Communication (AAC)

Augmentative and Alternate Communication (AAC) makes if possible for these individuals to communicate with the people around them. AAC is defined as any type of communication except oral communication. AAC includes anything that can help individuals with CP express themselves and communicate with others. Thinks as simple as hand gestures, picture cards, or writing is considered to be AAC.

Any type of AAC that does not include technology is called unaided AAC. AAC that includes technology is referred to as aided AAC. Aided AAC has been continuously evolving and their are many options for individuals with CP who have trouble communicating orally. These devices include, but are not limited to:

Communication Boards

A communication board is a device with various symbols or pictures, and sometimes words that facilitates communication. Individuals communicate using the board by pointing at, clicking on, or gazing at the symbol or image they desire. Sometimes, he device will communicate what the individual wants. For examples, if a student needed to use the bathroom, they would gesture to the symbol that they decided is the bathroom symbol, and the device will communicate something like “I need to use the bathroom. Communication boards can also consist of something as little as “yes or no.” The communication board can be designed based on a persons needs.

Computers

The Tobii Eye Gaze device that hooks up to computers costs $300

A company called Tobii has developed an eye tracking device that can aid individuals with Cerebral Palsy use computers and communicate. If a person is not able to verbally communicate, or use fine or gross motor skills to communicate or complete a task, this technology allows them to do so. The way it works is that you put the monitor on a screen and it is able to detect where a person is looking. In schools, students could use this assistive tech to use the computer, as the device can hook up to the computer. Or the device could be connected to a communication device and there can be pre set words or items that the students can look at and the communication device will say that item. Eye tracking devices allow individuals who have CP communicate with others and complete tasks independently.

Ipads/ Tablets

Ipads and tablets are somewhat affordable and easy to travel with. There are many applications that have been created to allow individuals with CP communicate. There are some apps that are text-to-speech, so a person can type in what they want to say, and the device will say it. However, some individuals with CP have fine and gross motor control difficulties, making the small letters on the ipad or tablet hard to use. Michigan State has developed a mobile app for individuals with CP. It allows for the text to speech function and you can even send an email using the app. When typing something, each row of letters is highlighted, and whatever row you want you tap anywhere on the screen once that row is highlighted. Then, each letter in the row will be highlighted one after another, and when the letter you want is highlighted, you tap anywhere on the screen. The app targets people with Cerebral Palsy because it allows them to type without having to touch each individual letter on the keyboard, the whole screen acts as one big button. To learn more about this app, watch the video below: