Journal entry 2 'technology tools that support early communication development'

Assistive technology offers a solution for children with learning/intellectual disabilities in overcoming communication difficulties. Some of these difficulties may arise from physical impairment or neurological impairment. Assistive technology provides these individuals with the opportunity to develop and understand topics within the classroom alongside their peers. There are certain barriers that are present that can inhibit a child’s ability to learn effectively within the classroom if they have communicational limitations. For example, a child who has a disability that effects their motor skills, they may not have as many opportunities to interact with peers and objects which prevents them gaining joint attention within their environment, furthermore, limited opportunities in being able to converse with both peers and teachers can also cause behavioural issues. This can also be a barrier in developing their communication skills. However, there is supportive assistive technology that can help overcome these barriers. For example, the switch. The switch ‘enables students with disabilities to achieve positive interactions with their immediate surroundings and exert control over relevant stimuli.’ As well as providing students with the opportunity of learning from cause and effect, it also gives these children the freedom of choice and decision making which they otherwise would not have. The need of a switch is determined early on by a group of professionals which can include therapists, speech pathologists and the educational team.

3-year-old Daniel is a great example of how effective the switch can be in the classroom. Daniel is non-verbal and has intellectual and motor disabilities. With the use of the switch Daniel is able to take part in the majority of his classrooms activities and is also able to experience the power of his influence within the classroom.