Facilitating Writing Skills in AAC Users via Voice-output Devices
{"Image DocumentName": "Facilitating Writing Skills in AAC Users via Voice-output Devices", "Image ImageDescription": "Utilizing a message window of dynamic display voice- output devices, even when students do not spell, is a great tool in teaching our students beginning writing skills. Why? -in typically developing children, writing begins with drawing a picture and making a statement about it. Using a message window, gives AAC user the same opportunity, enhanced by a verbal feedback. -adding pictures paired with words one by one (bubbles, more bubbles, blow more bubbles, I blow more bubbles) teaches students to form sentences and express their ideas clearly, -use of the message window allows for a much needed practice of writing while the student is communicating (requesting, commenting, describing, answering questions, etc.) Utilizing a text-to-speech feature (written material is read out loud by the program) of dynamic display voice output devices via an on-screen keyboard allows for actual typing /spelling/writing practice. The text composed by a user is spoken when the message window is activated. Note: set up the device to allow pictures to appear in a message window when selected by a student to support comprehension (if such support is needed) -most of the devices can be set up to provide an auditory feedback during writing process at various levels (letter, word, sentence). Choose one appropriate for your student. -some of the devices have a word prediction feature which allows students with emerging spelling abilities choose the word they intended to write independently, and experiences success!!", "Image XResolution": "37", "Image YResolution": "37", "Image ResolutionUnit": "Pixels/Centimeter", "Image Software": "SlidePlayer", "Image YCbCrPositioning": "Centered"}