Frequently Asked Questions / Glossary of Terms:
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who uses Assistive Technology?
-
There are a variety of different reasons people use assistive technology. Some
people use assistive technology for:
- Acquired speech loss due to: Motor Neuron Disease (ALS), Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, or Huntington's Chorea
- Congenital Speech loss due to: Cerebral Palsy, Learning Disabilities, or Low-Vision or Blindness
- What is scanning?
- Scanning is a selection technique for people who cannot use a keyboard. The
alphabet or keyboard display is represented either on a computer screen or on a
device. A selection box automatically passes vertically from row to row. Once the
desired row is reached - the user presses a switch to stop of the row. Once the
desired number or letter is reached the user clicks the switch to select it.
Scanning may be visual or auditory.
- What is a switch?
-
Any number of devices that can be used to send a signal and operate devices and
software with virtually any body movement:
- Chin or cheek movement
- Head or eye movement
- Finger or toe movement
- Eyebrow movement
- Shoulder movement
- Breath or vocalization
- What is word prediction software?
- Word prediction technology is software that predicts the word you are typing
and the next word based on word frequency and context.
- What is the difference between digital speech and synthesized speech?
- Digital speech is recorded human speech. Synthesized speech is computer-generated simulation of human speech.
Glossary of Acronyms:
- PCS - Picture Communication Symbols
- HHV - Hand Held Voice
- AAC - Augmentative and alternative communication
- ISAAC - International Society of AAC
- CAMA - Communication Aids Manufacturers Association
- CASA - Communication Aids Suppliers Consortium
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