EDUC 569.69: Assistive Technology Blog: Class #10

Wow, I can't believe how fast this course flew by! I learned so much about Assistive Technology. Tonight I was paired off with Sheri and we had to find AT for individuals who are Deaf. The following chart lists six low-high AT devices for individuals who are Deaf.

Boardmaker	Low Tech	Description Boardmaker is a low tech option for students who are Deaf. It allows the user to communicate by pointing at pictures. A benefit of Boardmaker is that it can be individualized. A challenge would be that the user would not be able to communicate as quickly as they would be able to using a device that is high tech.
Closed Captioning	Medium Tech	Closed Captioning allows individuals who are Deaf to follow the dialogue on television and movies. This allows the entire audience to receive the same information. A challenge could be that some video content may not have Closed Captioning.
iPad/ipod/iphone	High Tech	A device like the iPad has really opened up the communication world to individuals who are Deaf. A quick and easy way to communicate is through text messaging. Another way to communicate is text to speech. For those users who are younger they can use Apps like Proloquo2go to communicate. There are also Apps like iASL that translate up to five words into American Sign Language. The one challenge with that App is that the user needs to be somewhat fluent in signing.

CPC-500 VoiceCaptioner	High Tech	The CPC-500 VoiceCaptioner is a captioning software system designed to convert speech into text for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. This software is designed to work with a speech recognition program such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking or ViaVoice (not included, see separate entries). A computer is connected via a serial cable to a closed caption encoder that receives a video feed of the speaker. The speaker's words are automatically turned into captions. Captioning of multiple speakers is also possible. This captioning system can be used in classrooms, meetings and for broadcasting television programs. This device would be useful for any persons who are working in areas which require them to respond immediately to conversations, meetings, or to use at home for communicating with friends and family.
Clarity AlertMaster AL10	Low Tech	The Clarity AlertMaster AL10 is an all-in-one signal system designed to alert individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to environmental sounds. The system uses a flashing lamp, bed shaker, and a panel of lights to alert the user(s) to different sounds, including a telephone ring, a doorbell, audio alarm devices, an alarm clock, a baby cry, someone entering the home, and loud room noises such as a smoke detector. The system features a wireless receiver which can be purchased separately, a 3.5-inch clock display, adjustable display brightness, and dual power backup that keeps the system running when the power is out. The system includes a base unit, a bed shaker with cord, a doorbell transmitter, and a personal page switch. OPTIONS: An audio alarm transmitter, a baby sound monitor, a door announcer, a personal signaler, and a motion sensor. POWER: Uses standard 120 volt power outlet, and has a rechargeable battery backup. This device would be useful for someone who is living alone or who may need the assistance when occupied in their home.
CapTel 840 Captioned Telephone	Medium Tech	The CapTel 840 is a captioned telephone for people with hearing disabilities. This phone is designed specifically to interact with the CapTel Captioning Service to display a realtime transcript of each conversation on a screen located just above the number key pad. Users who subscribe to the CapTel Captioning Service place each call in the same way as dialing a traditional phone. As the user dials an outgoing call, the phone automatically connects to the Captioning Service. When the other party answers, the CapTel 840 user hears everything said as with a traditional call. Behind the scenes, an operator at the CapTel Captioning Service transcribes everything the other party says into written text. The written text appears on the display window built into the CapTel 840. The captions appear almost simultaneously with the spoken word, allowing the user to understand everything that is said by hearing and/or reading it. The telephone does not, by itself, translate spoken words into written captions, and the captioning feature can only be used for calls that go through the CapTel Captioning Service. The phone can also be used as a traditional amplified telephone, without the caption feature. This device can be used in the home for persons who require captioning to utilize phone services. It would not be beneficial to people who do not have the Captel Captioning services available in their area.