Assistive Technology for Speech Disorders
Methods to Augment, Supplement, or Replace Verbal Communication
Oct 13, 2009
School aged children who have special needs relating to speech or communication disorders may be entitled to assistive technology services in the classroom. Assistive technology for speech disorders could consist of equipment or a device that will supplement a child’s attempt to verbally communicate with others. It could also be an unaided method of augmenting or even replacing speech (an alternative method of verbal speech). An example of alternative speech is sign language.
Children who use assistive technology will profit greatly. They will be able to communicate their needs and desires and will perform better at school. They may also see social benefits. Although some feel that using sign language or an electronic device capable of synthesized speech may inhibit communication development, the opposite may actually be true.
According to speech language pathologist and author Libby Cumin, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, assistive technology for speech disorders may actually stimulate speech development. In her guidebook, Helping Children with Down Syndrome Communicate Better [Woodbine House, 2008], Cumin points to studies that have been done that show an increase in speech production in children with developmental disabilities following the use of both aided and unaided assistive technology methods.
Who Will Need Assistive Technology in the Classroom?
Children who struggle to be understood will benefit by using assistive technology for speech disorders. The following is a list of reasons that may indicate the need for augmenting or supplementing a youngster’s verbal communication:
- Child diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome, or other developmental disability.
- Child has a severe form of communication disorder.
- Child is hearing impaired.
- Cognitive and/or motor skills development is significantly delayed.
- Child cannot effectively communicate needs and wants, becomes frustrated.
- Familiar adults (parents, teachers, etc.) frequently cannot understand what the child is trying to say.
- Child has stopped trying to communicate verbally.
Assistive Speech Devices and Methods for Communication Disorders
There are many types of assistive technology for speech disorders that will help a child communicate his needs and wants more effectively. In many cases, the child and caregivers (including teachers) may need some training on the use of the technology method chosen as the best assistive communication device for the special needs child. Here is a listing of the assistive technologies currently available:
- Sign language (many forms) – Sign language can be a full language such as American Sign Language (ASL), or it can be simple gestures and cues. Each of these should be accompanied by attempts at verbal language, with verbal repetition by persons on the receiving end of the signed message.
- Communication boards – Communication boards are easy to use for both the special needs child and communication partner. Symbols are simple to interpret and may include drawn pictures, letters, and photos of items desired/needed.
- Picture Exchange Communication System – The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a similar method to communication boards and was developed specifically for children with autism. However, it is useful for anyone with a communication disorder.
- Hand-held (portable) or computer electronic speech devices – There are computer-based software programs available that can be used to help children with their speech development and verbal skills and can even synthesize speech. There are also small, portable devices capable of translating and recording speech for playback.
Verbal communication is an important part of daily living. Children with communication disorders or those diagnosed with Down syndrome or autism may require assistance when developing speech skills. Assistive technology including sign language, picture cards (PECS), communication boards, and electronic devices will aid children struggling to communicate and may even encourage speech development. Making accommodations for assistive technology in the classroom will be vital for the academic and social development of children with communication disorders.
Readers may also be interested in assistive listening devices, or may want to learn more about early detection of speech delays and disorders.
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