Journal 9: Adaptive Technology

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a term used to describe a substitute way of communication for individuals with restricted or no communication capabilities.  There are low tech and high tech tools that provide special needs individuals with opportunities to be more included in the regular classroom setting.

A no/low tech tool is one that does not require any electronic support such as batteries and serves as an alternate means of communication.  An example of this is, “American Sign Language (ASL).”  ASL can be taught to students as a form of communicating by using their hands.  For more information click here.

A high tech tool is an electronic device that provides students with support by a speech output system.  One tool that is being used to support non-verbal special needs students is the “ipad.”  The ipad has apps such as “icommunicate” that provide students with visual and verbal support.       

For a video of how this works click here.






An input device is a tool that is used to put information into a computer such as a mouse or keyboard.  There are many different types of input devices that are available to special needs students that allow them to be in a mainstream setting.  There are numerous hardware and software options that I could use as a future special education teacher.  

One hardware input device that provides special needs students with assistance is the “SAM – Trackball (Switch-Adapted Mouse devices).”  According to one website the SAM trackball is, “A switch-adapted alternative mouse device. The SAM Trackball functions as your regular mouse device AND your switch interface. Using SAM with your switches lets a user with gross-motor hand control (or fine-motor head control) move the mouse, and click, double click, and click-lock (for drag) with other parts of their body” Website Here. This could be implemented in a technology classroom by providing special needs students with an easier alternative when putting information on the computer.   

One software program that would facilitate special needs students in the classroom is “KeyStrokes.” KeyStrokes is a program for mac computers that utilizes a mouse in order to allow special needs students to type onto a virtual keyboard.  The websites elaborates on how KeyStrokes assists a student with special needs, “KeyStrokes provides advanced multilingual word prediction. Thanks to its revolutionary PolyPredix™ word prediction engine it can do word completion, next word prediction and even multi-word prediction” Website Here