Is technology replacing sign language for people who are deaf?

The debate about whether to teach American Sign Language to children who are deaf has reached a new height in Indiana, according to an article in the New York Times.

Due to budget woes, lawmakers have discussed the possibility of closing specialized schools for students who are deaf. The evolution of technology (smartphones, tablet computers, etc.) has created communication opportunities that may have not been present a decade ago. Some feel that the students who attend these specialized schools should be included in their local school districts.

According to the article:

“Kids in the mainstream save society, taxpayers, a significant amount of money in the short-term and in the long-term when it comes to being integrated into the hearing world,” said Naomi S. Horton, executive director of Hear Indiana, which supports families who use listening and spoken language to communicate.

“There is a financial benefit, but at the end of the day it has to be a parent’s choice,” Ms. Horton said.

This debate is just beginning. What is your opinion? Leave a comment below.

TLC Spotlight - Tobii S32 Scan

Communicate quickly and easily at a touch of a finger with the Tobii S32 Scan

Communication is key

The Tobii S32 is a communication device that plays pre-recorded messages, activated simply by touch.

The Tobii S32 is available in two models, Touch and Scan. The S32 Touch is for people who have no problem using their hands to touch the symbols and pictures. The S32 Scan is a switch/scan model, made for people who can’t use their hands effectively but instead use switches to navigate to their choice of picture or symbol.

The Tobii S32 can also be used to control the user’s environments such as lights, small appliances, adapted toys, televisions, VCRs, or DVDs.

And every S32 includes a copy of Tobii SymbolMate so that overlays can be made and printed from your computer. 

The S32 can store up to 192 cards at the same time and has a 2 GB SD card that holds over 60 hours of high quality sound. With such a large recording capacity, you can store words and phrases, funny moments, stories, personal information, communication books or even entire music CDs.

The built in bar code reader keeps track of all the 192 different levels and page sets, allowing you to focus on communication.

Built in ECU -  The Tobii S32’s built in IR can also be used as an environmental control unit (ECU) to control lights, small appliances, televisions, VCRs, or DVDs.

Feature Highlights

•  Thin, light weight, yet durable design for ease of use and portability
•  A recording time of over 60 hours, on 192 levels, in full quality
• Enhanced programming features with desktop software – Tobii SymbolMate is included
• Six grid sizes; 1 (for visual scenes), 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 cells that are easily interchangeable
• Context based speech, which allows for different messages depending on the sequence buttons are clicked
• TiirDA™ Enhanced IR circuit for easy IR recording and to control lights, small appliances, adapted toys, television, VCRs, or DVDs
• Keypad lock to reduce mistakes when in scanning mode, or accidental activation during transportation
• Multiple scanning options and controls on the Tobii S32 Scan: auto, linear step scan, row/column, column/row scan and includes a random scan pattern for assessment, training, fun and games
• Separate volume control for headphones (Scan model only)
• Supports one or two switches (Scan model only)
• User accessible neoprene carry case included

Check it out....
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_eXrAzzmr0&feature=related

 What do you think? Do you want to TRY IT before you BUY IT? Then join our Technology Lending Center. Click here to join today! 

Cool Story for a Hot Day

Just wanted to share an interesting article I found on one of my new favorite sites: Mind/Shift.  It's about an entry into the 2011 Imagination Cup, Microsoft's student technology competition.

Team Note-Taker out of of Arizona State University developed a tool that tackles the real-world problem students who are visually impaired have taking notes in class. See the solution they came up with using a camera and tablet PC.

Oh, and it's not too early to register for the Imagination Cup 2012...

APP Attack! Great Article + FREE APPS!

I know we usually use this post to discuss apps that benefit people with disabilities. But today - I am going to use this space to reflect on the iPad itself. I read a great article on line this weekend titled "What the iPad's Success Says About Us" from C/NET and I wanted to share it here.

What do you think? Leave a comment below.

As a bonus today - check out this link to learn about 7 sources for FREE APPS! Enjoy!


Do you want to learn more about APPS?

Then sign up for our APP Attack workshop on October 5th at our Ewing NJ office.

We are limiting the registration to the first 20 people, so sign up today!

For more info, click HERE.

Tool for Comparing AT-- TechMatrix

People will often ask us for our opinion on different products- our answer is usually "it depends."  Sounds like a cop out, but really, it's true-- there are pros and cons to each of them, depending on what you are trying to do.  

TechMatrix Logo- AT Tools and Resources for Learning

TechMatrix (www.techmatrix.org) is an online database that helps you compare products yourself!  If you knew of them from a few years ago, you'll be happy to know that they've updated the site.  You can now use the TechMatrix to search for resources and technology tools that support student learning in math, reading, writing, and science, matched to IDEA disability category, grade level (including transition), your role, accessibility features, and more.

One example is comparing technology that supports reading.  Under Hot Topics, you will find Reading for Struggling Students.  There are lots of informative articles, and you can use their Custom Searches link to help you get started in searching their online database of products. 

We think this is a great way to start exploring.  If you need more individualized assistance, talk to us about AT consults or evaluations to help find the right solution for you.  See our website, www.assistivetechnologycenter.org, for more information.  

Audtions for ALL!, Feel Good Fridays

I am a theater appreciator, possessing no talent to act. I am absolutely on board with this newest community theater venture from Angela Anderson, in cooperation with the Theater Alliance of Greater Philadelphia. You can check out the Facebook events page here.

Don't have a profile on Facebook? Well here is all the info you need.

Auditions for ALL!
When: Monday, August 15, 6:30pm-9pm
Where: Philadelphia Room of William Way Community Center
1315 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA
Websites: Facebook Event, Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia
Contact: anderson.angela.marie@gmail.com


From the event page:
"Join the community theatre movement presenting shows that represent our ENTIRE beautiful society.

We want to bring everyone together, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual preference, or physical ability.
We want to see EVERYONE!

...For the audition, we want to see YOUR best performance. After the auditions, a play will be selected and cast based on the abilities of those who auditioned!

Please bring a prepared monologue. (Cold readings will also be available.)

Also, bring your IDEAS!! This is a community theatre movement for *you* - we want to hear what you have to say!

*******
FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES:
Productions will be accessible, both physically and in attitude, for the full participation of people with physical and emotional challenges and disabilities.

William Way is fully wheelchair accessible.

Those organizing the event have extensive education and experience working with people with disabilities in varied capacities.

We speak poor to moderate American Sign Language. (Because of finances, no interpreter will be provided at this event, but you're welcome to bring someone to interpret or volunteer to interpret.)

Please encourage any friends with disabilities in the Philadelphia who want to participate in theatre to attend the auditions. No experience required!!
*******

We are funding this event through Classic Baked Goods by Angela Anderson. Please visit the Facebook page if you enjoy delicious sweets and would like to contribute!

For more information, or if you would like to help out, please contact anderson.angela.marie@gmai​l.com.

Auditions will be open and first-come-first-serve, so if you have a scheduling conflict and must audition at a certain time please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you."

Enjoy and may the best cast be selected!

TLC Spotlight - G.R.I.P. Solutions

G.R.I.P. Solutions

Enhanced independence is now within your grasp with G.R.I.P. Solutions. Each product that we offer is an ideal tool to aid in performing your ADLs.



The Switch G.R.I.P.™ is an exclusively designed “soft beanbag” that provides easy switch or electronics access while remaining in a stable location on any tray, desk, table top or G.R.I.P. Pad™. The Switch G.R.I.P.™, a versatile stability device, secures any type of switch or electronic item yet lifts off for easy removal thus eliminating table top/tray velcro.

What do you think? Do you want to TRY IT before you BUY IT? Then join our Technology Lending Center. Click here to join today!