A Cafeteria Conversation

I, for one, love to talk. 

I enjoy calling friends on the phone. I enjoy debating social issues. I enjoy telling jokes. I enjoy critiquing food, movies, and music. What I do not enjoy, is being silenced. 

There are many people in this world who have an impaired ability to speak; they may have cerebral palsy, MND/ALS, or are unable to verbally communicate due to an injury or stroke. The photo to the right is a picture of a 17-year old boy, named Jimmy, who has oral apraxia and communicates non-verbally. He has recently received an (alternative and augmentative communication) ACC device that allows him to communicate with peers at lunch, participate in school plays, and read the daily announcements at school. 

This device is a TOBII ATI product. This company provides numerous AT products for people with high-incidence disabilities, specifically by providing them with the ability to verbally communicate. According to their website, www.tobii.com, they are world leaders in eye tracking and eye control. This provides people who are unable to type (text to voice) an opportunity to verbally communicate. 

Recently, TOBII ATI has come out with new products. Two of which are described from the TOBII ATI website:

"Tobii C8 turns text and symbols into speech and more…

The Tobii C8 is an eight-inch device that generates speech from text and symbols. It can be operated by the built-in touch screen, a switch, a head mouse, as well as a regular keyboard and mouse. Integral infrared control also makes it possible to control a stereo or TV, switch lights on and off, and more.

Tobii C12 adds a larger screen and eye-control

The Tobii C12 is a twelve-inch device suitable for individuals who need larger symbols or more screen space. It supports the same input methods as the smaller Tobii C8, but also has an additional module that supports eye control, the Tobii CEye. This makes it an ideal solution for those who can’t use a regular keyboard."

I believe that this assistive technology will allow high school students to verbally communicate with their peers, while also providing a means for verbal personal expression.  This verbal communication serves many purposes, one of which is the ability to partake in a classroom community and to feel accepted. Every student should have the opportunity to speak in class and express him/herself. This assistive technology gives nonverbal students that opportunity.