Easy Solutions

Here are some examples of how free and inexpensive adaptive technology can be used:

A non-verbal girl with significant cerebral palsy was beginning Kindergarten and needed a way to share her story about her summer holidays. Using PowerPoint, her story was created, including pictures of her family and activities, as well as narration of the text, recorded by her sister. With her headswitch plugged into a switch adapted mouse, she was able to independently control the PowerPoint presentation to share her story with her classmates. This easy and inexpensive solution enabled her to participate in class, rather than being a mere observer.

A boy with cerebral palsy in grade 5 had no method of communication and was not able to participate in learning activities. He has limited ability to use a mouse. Combining an onscreen keyboard with a switch-operated cross scanner and a text-to-speech program, he was able to type using the cross scanner to select the letters, which were subsequently read aloud to him. This easy solution enabled him the ability to communicate and to learn.

A young fellow with cerebral palsy and a vision impairment wanted to know more about his favourite old-time muscians. His Mom was told about ReadPlease, a free text-to-speech program. She then copied text from the Internet and pasted it into ReadPlease for her son to listen to. This free solution enabled him to independently explore his interests, while Mom did what she needed to do.

There are many more resources available. please see Resources for more information.

It is all about using free and inexpensive adaptive technology to enable abilities to appear. Contact Darrell to see how a solution can be customized to meet your or your child's specific needs.