(bright music) - There are many types of communication devices available on the market. The one I use the most with my students, is this Mid-Tech Single Button device. The plastic button cover allows me to add words, or icons underneath it, or attach them, or a tactile object to the top, using a strong adhesive, or hook and loop fastener. This particular device can be used for a single message, a series of sequenced messages, or for a set of random messages.
It can hold up to four different levels of messages. It can be activated by an external switch, or it can also be used as a switch for activating another device. There are so many possibilities. You might come across a similar device with some of these features.
I'll show you some examples of how I use these different options in my classroom. (bright music) Single message devices can be used for students to greet peers around campus, ask questions during a class discussion, have directions repeated, or to read repeated phrases and stories, like this. "Brown bear, brown bear," - [Automated Voice]
What do you see? (bright music) - Sequenced message devices can be used for students to practice spelling and counting, or to list the steps in a process, such as a science experiment, math problem, or a recipe.
- [Automated Voice]
Step one, pour crust mix in bowl. Step two, pour hot water in bowl. (bright music) - Random message devices can be used for students to give commands in games, such as Simon says, or red light, green light. They can activate the device to randomly select the next person to answer a question, or generate data for a graphing activity.
(button clicks) - [Automated Voice]
Red. (pencil scraping) (button clicks) Red. (pencil scraping) (button clicks) Green. (pencil scraping) (bright music) - Some devices like this one, have different level settings, which help you keep a word or words relevant for a specific environment or activity, grouped together on the same device.
For instance, on the first level, I could record vocabulary relevant to snack or mealtimes, the second level could correlate to exercising in the gym, the third could have words related to creating art, while the fourth level could hold common phrases used in social conversations. (bright music) If a student is not able to physically activate this device by pressing the button, the device has the feature to be activated by an external switch. This is useful when a student requires a special type of switch, such as a proximity switch, or they need a switch mounted near a specific body part, such as their head or elbow for activation.
(device beeping) - [Automated Voice]
I need help please. (bright music) - Switches help provide alternative access to devices that individuals may not otherwise be able to operate independently. They can be used to access hair dryers, lights, and fans for environmental control and daily living activities. When combined with a switch interface, they can be used to manipulate a computer.
They can even be used to activate toys for recreation and leisure. Communication devices that also function as a switch, help you promote the power of communication by combining core words with cause and effect practice using another tool. For instance, for one of my students with visual impairments, we connect to their expanded core curriculum areas of assistive technology in recreation and leisure, using this communication device connected to a switch accessible toy. (button clicks) - [Automated Voice]
Go. (toy whirring) (toy squeaking) - If the device you have has any of these features, consider how you can use it in different ways to embed communication opportunities for your students throughout their school day. (bright music)
