Code of practice for the use of rope access methods for industrial purposes

As the field of telepractice grows, perceived barriers to service delivery must be anticipated and addressed in order to provide appropriate service delivery to individuals who will benefit from this model. When applying telepractice to the field of AAC, additional barriers are encountered when clients with complex communication needs are unable to speak, often present with severe quadriplegia and are unable to position themselves or access the computer independently, and/or may have cognitive impairments and limited computer experience. Some access methods, such as eye gaze, can also present technological challenges in the telepractice environment. These barriers can be overcome, and telepractice is not only practical and effective, but often a preferred means of service delivery for persons with complex communication needs.

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New AAC Access Strategy for Gesture Tracking: A Technical Note

Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication ◽

10.1044/aac21.1.11 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 11-16 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Susan Fager ◽

Tom Jakobs ◽

David Beukelman ◽

Tricia Ternus ◽

Haylee Schley

Keyword(s):

Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽

Technical Note ◽

Head Tracking ◽

Alternative Communication ◽

Access Methods ◽

Cord Injury ◽

Physical Limitations ◽

Gesture Tracking ◽

Communication Needs ◽

Tracking Device

Abstract This article summarizes the design and evaluation of a new augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interface strategy for people with complex communication needs and severe physical limitations. This strategy combines typing, gesture recognition, and word prediction to input text into AAC software using touchscreen or head movement tracking access methods. Eight individuals with movement limitations due to spinal cord injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, polio, and Guillain Barre syndrome participated in the evaluation of the prototype technology using a head-tracking device. Fourteen typical individuals participated in the evaluation of the prototype using a touchscreen.

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The Evolution of Augmentative Communication and the Importance of Alternate Access

Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication ◽

10.1044/aac20.1.34 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 34-37 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

David Chapple

Keyword(s):

Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽

Cell Phone ◽

Handheld Devices ◽

Alternative Communication ◽

Access Methods ◽

The Past ◽

Communication Device ◽

Internet Browser ◽

A Cell ◽

Development Of Language

Abstract Over the past 20 years, there have been many advances in the computer industry as well as in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Computers are becoming more compact and have multiple purposes, such as the iPhone, which is a cell phone, mp3 player, and an Internet browser. AAC devices also have evolved to become multi-purpose devices; the most sophisticated devices have functionality similar to the iPhone and iPod. Recently, the idea of having the iPhone and iPad as a communication device was initiated with the development of language applications specifically for this format. It might be true that this idea could become the future of AAC devices; however, there are major access issues to overcome before the idea is a reality. This article will chronicle advancements in AAC devices, specifically on access methods, throughout the years, towards the transition to handheld devices. The newest technologies hold much promise with both features and affordability factors being highly attractive. Yet, these technologies must be made to incorporate alternate access if they are to meet their fullest potential as AAC tools.

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