Transcript COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN A SPECIAL SCHOOL Swati

Inclusive Technology for
Learning, Living &
Communicating
Sudha Kaul Ph.D
Executive Director
Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy
Kolkata
Sayomdeb Mukherjee
Member ANKUR,
Advocacy Group IICP
‘Technology for people with disabilities is a most
beautiful thing. In the West technology has long
been accepted as a way of life. In our country we
have just begun. Since the last ten years I have
found the positive impact of technology on my own
life. I know that in India there are many more
people with disabilities for whom technology
would be really helpful’
What is Technology ?
‘Any tool has the potential to
remove the tedium and repetition
that will allow us to perform that
which is most human - thinking,
dreaming, and planning’
What is Technology ?
‘The application of
knowledge to meet the
goals, goods, and services
desired by people’
What is Technology ?
The set of tools, both
hardware (physical) and
software, that help us act and
think better.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology (AT) is any item,
piece of equipment, or product system,
whether acquired commercially off the
shelf, modified, or customized, that is
used to increase, maintain, or improve
the functional capabilities of individuals
with disabilities.
[29 U.S.C. Sec 2202(2) ]
Who Uses Assistive Technology?
Individuals with
disabilities use
assistive
technology to
accommodate
limitations due to
their disabilities
What is Inclusive Technology?
It is the application of
scientific advances to
benefit humanity
What is Inclusive Technology?
Technology that supports
the Rights of
All Citizens
What is Inclusive Technology?
Technology that provides
support for learning,
communication
& living
What is Inclusive Technology?
Technology for Empowering
All People
Technology that is Affordable
to
ALL People
Current Scenario in India
1. Multimedia educational tools
2. Communication hardware & software
3. Access switches
4. Voice output communication aids
5. Language prediction & processing tools
Communication ‘hardware’- low tech
Aids for people with complex communication needs
(Augmentative & Alternative Communication Users)
Low tech.
Message Cards
Bish’s Picture Book
Abduls Story…
Message Cards!
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Augmentative & Alternative Communication
Users
Low Tech Communication Boards
Voice Output Communication Aid
‘GupShup’
4 message pre-recorded device
Voice Output Communication Aid
‘Kathamala’
16 message pre-recorded digitized speech
device
Communication Software
Indian Picture Symbols for
Communication
IPSC
A library of culturally & linguistically
appropriate picture icons to make
communication boards developed by IICP
Access for People with Severe
Physical Disabilities
The adaptability of
the computer makes
it a valuable
resource if used with
special Access
switches
Special Access devices
Access Switches
Alternates
to the
standard
mouse
Access Devices
Mouth sticks
Head pointers
Chin switches can be
used to press the keys.
Access Switches
Sweepsticks
The first
indigenously made
software that is an
alternative to the
mouse.
It allows us to make
mouse movements
using 2 switches.
Developed at IIT
Kharagpur and
currently being field
tested at IICP
SANYOG
Software for enhancing literacy skills
Grids with Hindi, Bengali (or any vernacular) words and
letters as well as with half letters and matras.
Dictionaries, abbreviations & action tabs for editing and
file management.
SANYOG
SANYOG
Developed by IIT Kharagpur in
collaboration with IICP
A tool to facilitate language
development & communication
Auto-generation of syntactically and
semantically correct messages
Synthesized speech output in Hindi
& Bengali
Multimedia Educational Tools
ITCP
Multimedia software developed by WML
in collaboration with IICP
Auto-generated
programmed
learning
Digitised speech
output
Hardware
interface with
indigenous
switches to
facilitate access
Multimedia Educational Tools
ITCP
Multimedia software developed by WML
in collaboration with IICP
Language Prediction &
Processing Tools
‘Shikshak’
An educational programme in
Hindi & Bengali to enhance
literacy skills
Developed by IIT Khargapur in
collaboration with IICP
Shikshak
The NEED...Inclusive Technology
Adaptive Aids
Adaptive eating utensils, special
plates, writing tools, bathing aids
for the disabled, positioning
pillows and more adaptive aids to
make caring for stroke patients &
the elderly easier.
The NEED...Inclusive Technology
A range of
programmes that
train ‘cause and
effect’, ‘turn-taking’,
early vocabulary,
syntax, cognitive
concepts, auditory
processing, and
reading.
The NEED...Inclusive Technology
Technology
that provides
opportunities
for learning
& leisure
The NEED...Inclusive Technology
Technology that is
AFFORDABLE to
ALL people
The NEED...Inclusive Technology
A word prediction
software to enable
students with learning
disabilities in schools
concentrate on the
content of their work
rather than struggling
with the mechanics of
spelling.
The NEED...Inclusive Technology
For adults
or older learners
with special needs
‘age appropriate’
programmes
The NEED...Inclusive Technology
Specialized word
prediction software
used with speech
output can be used
as a communication
aid for a nonspeaking individual
who is using a
computer.
The NEED...Inclusive Technology
Assistive devices to
help caregivers in
bathing, feeding,
dressing,
positioning and
transferring their
loved ones.
The NEED...Inclusive Technology
Technology that
provides support
for learning,
communication,
& working
The NEED ..Inclusive Technology
Technology for
empowering all
people designed to
improve the quality
of life of all
individuals
A National Information & Resource
Centre on Technology for Inclusion
A Consortium of Technical Institutes; GOI;
IT Industry; NGOs; Educational Institutes
& People with Disabilities
 A focused strategic plan for inclusive
technology
 R&D – focusing on need based research
 Quality control
 Distribution & after sales support
PRATIBANDHAKATA
by
Barsha Bhattacharya
Disability
Disabled I may be
But will not stay confined.
Shall break all doors
And cross the difficult times.
To see the world
Where people rise
Facing the current
Strong & wise
Barsha Bhattacharya
Acknowledgements
Families and students for their permission to
use their photographs
Barsha and Sayomdeb for their
contributions
Tessa and Chandrima
Prof. Anupam Basu for his unstinted support
to the cause of Inclusive Technology
ISAAC for its contribution to AAC worldwide
Sudha Kaul PhD
Vice Chair & Executive Director
President Elect
Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy
35/1 Taratala Road
Kolkata- 700 0088
India
International Society for
Augmentative & Alternative
Communication
91-33-24013337
[email protected]
www.iicpindia.com
[email protected]
www. isaac-online.org