Author: Matt Smith
Tablets continue to grow in popularity and some even believe they will replace laptops in the near future. While their viability to replace laptop computers is questionable, their value is undeniable. And perhaps more valuable than a device for the general public, is in their unique ability to empower special needs children.
Enabling Communication
The ability to communicate at a high level is one of our more distinctive traits. And for many suffering from developmental issues, they have significant obstacles making communication difficult. Fortunately, the use of specialized tablets is bridging the gap.
Touch Screen
The expansion of touchscreen technology has helped reduce the cost of touchscreens. This has made devices for people lacking the coordination to use a mouse far more affordable, expanding their usage and giving many more people the sort of easy interface they’ve been missing.
Helping Students with Autism Communicate Better
A tablet can aid some but not all children with communication problems. The ability of a child to use a picture exchange communication system (PECS) is going to be a key factor in determining if a tablet is an appropriate solution. PECS require that a child offer the picture of an item to a partner provides the actual item. For example, a child presenting a picture of a juice box in order to ask her mother to have some juice.
The skills involved with PECS transfer well to using a touchscreen tablet in order to gain a broader vocabulary of pictures to facilitate better communication. However, if a child hasn’t used a PECS before, it may be necessary to teach the child to use the system before introducing a tablet.
The skills involved with PECS transfer well to using a touchscreen tablet in order to gain a broader vocabulary of pictures to facilitate better communication. However, if a child hasn’t used a PECS before, it may be necessary to teach the child to use the system before introducing a tablet.
Eye-gaze Monitoring Technology
The EyeMobile by Tobii and similar eye gazing technologies allow for users who have lost the ability to operate a mouse or interact with a touchscreen because of a spinal cord injury or paralysis to interact with a computer. This technology can be used for communication, education, and the full computer experience.
Blending In
Fitting in is often extremely challenging for children with disabilities, and needing to carry a bulky electronic device around doesn’t make it any easier. The utilization of customized tablets that look like mainstream devices can eliminate some of the stigma that comes with speech disabilities. In the past devices such as these were clunky and unfamiliar, drawing unwanted attention to kids who just wanted to be treated like everyone else. Now, with the growing popularity of mobile devices, children needing them to help with communication don’t have to feel stigmatized.
Separation of Toys and Tools
For children using these tablets to communicate, the tablet essentially becomes their voice and a part of them. It is how they learn and how they interact with others, so it is best to keep these devices limited to functioning exclusively for this purpose. Using these for games and entertainment can lead to confusion and distract from the essential use of the device.
Technology’s Greatest Offering
While the mobile technology explosion has changed the life of the average person and business in America and been largely motivated by profit, there is no doubt that it has helped in enabling children with disabilities significantly. The ability for children to learn, communicate, and socialize better is perhaps one of the greatest benefits of the computer age.
What is your favorite mobile technology? Let us know in the comments!
Author Bio:
Matt Smith works for Dell and has a passion for learning and writing about technology. Outside of work he enjoys entrepreneurship, being with his family, and the outdoors.
What is your favorite mobile technology? Let us know in the comments!
Author Bio:
Matt Smith works for Dell and has a passion for learning and writing about technology. Outside of work he enjoys entrepreneurship, being with his family, and the outdoors.
