Emily at home with Mom, playing a switch game on her PC, with a proximity switch with Mom. Mom is able to use the switch too, and place it easily for Emily.
This is like a shortcut. It’s how the body becomes efficient, but it is not “automatic” nor does it predict perfection. Homo sapiens are processing beings. These processes develop in each of us uniquely as we grow and develop and participate in activity. But at any given moment, mistakes can be made, but as a process we can ‘repair” those as the pathway is based on the activity, not singular acts. LET’S REMEMBER THIS: A big challenge for students who are learning AAC and the use of the AAC device is a lack of experience with the machine itself, its software and its navigation strategies. These all need to be taught too. AAC devices are not just a “voice.” They are machines, that contain software, that requires navigation. They have vocabulary that is pre-determined, or novel and must be taught. For the student to be “communicative” there is a lot of activity and teaching that must be done cooperatively, and access will,
become more competent. Accsss is a part of the activity and it will grow and develop as task engagement with activity grows.. EQUIPMENT REFERRED TO WITHIN THIS ARTICLE: The prices of this equipment vary, and change. Each company can be contacted from information on their web-site for the current costs. 1. Kidwalk; from Prime Engineering; www.primeengineering. com 2. R82 High/Low Chair; www.etac.com 3. Adaptive Switch Lab’s single proximity sensor; www.asl- inc.com 4. Adaptive Switch Lab’s pediatric head array with 3 sensors ; www.asl-inc.com
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