Assistive Technologies for Language or Speech Disorders PURPOSE

Assistive Technologies for Language or Speech Disorders

PURPOSE To raise awareness on the Assistive technologies that are available so that persons can regain independence and their self confidence.

DEFINITION • Speech disorders can affect the way a person creates sounds to form words. Certain voice disorders may also be considered speech disorders. • One of the most commonly experienced speech disorders is stuttering. • Other speech disorders include apraxia and dysarthria.

Causes of Apraxia • Unknown in some cases • Brain damage that causes CAS. • Genetic disorder or syndrome that causes brain damage. • A stroke or brain injury can also cause CAS

Indicators • Does not always say words the same way each time he says them. • Can understand what others say to him better than he can talk. • Has problems imitating what others say. If he can imitate, those words will sound better than words he says on his own. • Seems like he has to move his lips, tongue, or jaw a few times to make sounds. This is called groping. • Has more trouble saying longer words clearly than shorter ones.

Indicators cont’d • Seems to have more trouble talking when he is nervous. • Is hard to understand, especially for someone who doesn’t know him well. • Sounds choppy or flat. He may put the stress on the wrong syllable or word. • Inability to perform acts to verbal commands, even though they might be performed spontaneously, or when aroused emotionally • Developmental Indicators include language Delay, problems with fine motor skills, or picking up small things and learning problems.

Assistive Technologies • Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices that may include • Synthesized speech • Keyboards and alternative keyboards • Touch-sensitive pads

Assistive Technologies cont’d • Alternative input devices • Trackball • Mouse stick • Eye-tracking technology • Switches • Abbreviation expansion

References • https: //www. healthline. com/health/speech-disorder Speech Disorder Healthline • Apraxia of Speech | NIDCD • www. nidcd. nih. gov/health/apraxia-speech

Let’s have some fun • https: //play. kahoot. it/#/? quiz. Id=2 ede 46 a 7 -1 ee 0 -43 ab-88 bd 52 ab 7 b 90 d 027