Transcript Assistive Technology on the Job

Assistive
Technology on
the Job
With Nancy Jo Geise
Hi, my name is Nancy Jo Geise. I work for
Networks for Training and Development,
Inc. I am the Augmentative and
Alternative Communication Liaison.
At my job, I maintain the library of assistive
technology (AT) and augmentative and
alternative communication (AAC)
devices. I also file, act as the host for
those who come to use the office, help
with day to day things at the office, and
am a co-presenter at trainings about AT
and AAC.
I also will meet with people who are just
beginning to explore AT and AAC to give
them encouragement and to show others
what is possible for people to express
themselves as well as be more independent.
I am currently taking The Communication
Mentors’ Course through Networks where I
am learning more about how everyone
communicates and how we all can support
everyone’s communication because
everyone has something to say!
But today I want to talk to you about my
job and all of the assistive technology I use
at my job.
All of my life I have had to use some form of
communication system…
As a little girl I learned sign
language. When I was in school I
met a lot of people who didn’t
know sign language. My family
and others helped me get my first
communication device. I used a
Dynavox and it was a great choice
for me when I was in middle school,
but is was very big and heavy and I
had to carry it around in my
backpack.
I have always used different ways to talk to
people. I have used a Dynavox, a Chat
PC, sign language, and I will also use a
pen and paper to write things down.
When I decided that I didn’t want to use
my chat pc anymore, I did the search on
what else was out there with some help
from other people. I made the decision
to get the iPhone as well as an iPad after
I had the chance to try it out.
They are both easy to use and really help
me to easily and quickly talk to people
and share information.
I now use an iPad with different
communication application and the
one I use the most on my iPad is Speak It.
I also use my iPhone with an application
called ProLoQuo2Go.
I send text messages and emails, too.
I just started using Skype, too, which is
great so I can stay in better touch with
my coworkers and attend meetings
virtually when I can’t be there in person.
I also used easy things in my life so I can
do my job more independently. I have a
job coach, Crystal, who helps me
sometimes. Jessica helps me when I
need it, too.
The people who support me in my life are
called “soft” Assistive Technology. But I
use “hard” Assistive Technology, too, like
the iPad and iPhone.
The assistive technology I use at work
are easy things.
I use an extra large dry erase calendar
which shows two months at a time to
help me keep track of what is coming
up at work.
I keep another dry erase board by my
desk for quick reminders and notes
I also use a daily to do check list, a
reminder list I fill out and a reminder
sheet for people I need to talk to
about different things.
I also keep a One Step Communicator
on my desk which I have recorded with,
“Jess, I need your help.” when I get stuck
and need some support from Jessica.
Sometime, I will also instant message
Jessica through Google Chat if we’re
both busy and I just have a quick
question.
I also use a large paper holder for
when I need to copy something on
to the computer, a touch activated
lamp so I can easily control the
lighting in my office, and a talking
alarm clock.
On my laptop, I use the accessibility
features which were already built in. I
made the screen larger, made the
cursor and mouse bigger and easier to
see, and also have short cut icons on my
home screen so I can quickly get to my
email, timesheet, or other important
document. We are always looking at
new and easier ways to do things so I
can really be independent at work.
But… we all need people to support us and I
think that is the assistive technology I might
use the most.
People support me to do my job really well.
We all need people in our life to help us out.
Because of all of this great assistive
technology and more, I’m able to do my job
really well!
Here are some pictures of me over the
years so you can see me growing up…
And here are some pictures and video of
me working today!
VIDEO