Without the use of a vocal output communication aid (VOCA) the world might never have come to know the voice of Stephen Hawking. Without the switch he needs to operate his VOCA, he would not have been able to bridge the gap between his brain and the equipment and programs used to speak to us. In his own words, “More important than the right to speech is the right to speak.”
Hawking uses visual scanning to operate his switch but there are many other ways people with limited motor ability can operate switches. I was amazed early in our course to learn of something called the Mouse Camera (see links) which will allow even the smallest facial movement to be used to operate a switch. The possiblilties are endless.
A few sites that seemed worth a second look:
http://www.newhorizons.org/spneeds/inclusion/teaching/sax.htm
http://www.webaim.org/articles/motor/assistive.php
http://typingtraining.com/at/switches/assessment.htm
Lorraine,
ReplyDeleteYes, Stephen Hawking has become such a publicly recognized face for his so very significant contributions to the world of theoretical physics. He has helped the world "see" the person first, not the physical challenges.
If you ever want to encourage someone with neuro-muscular dystrophy to still dream big, then may I recommend a youth book written by Stephen Hawking and his daughter, Lucy, entitled "George's Secret Key to the Universe".
The summary posted on Amazon.com reads, "George's parents, who have always been wary of technology, warn him about their new neighbors: Eric is a scientist and his daughter, Annie, seems to be following in his footsteps. But when George befriends them and Cosmos, their super-computer, he finds himself on a wildly fun adventure, while learning about physics, time, and the universe. With Cosmos's help, he can travel to other planets and a black hole. But what would happen if the wrong people got their hands on Cosmos? George, Annie, and Eric aren't about to find out, and what ensues is a funny adventure that clearly explains the mysteries of science." I have the book with me as part of my own summer leisure reading, just as soon as I finish reading "Hoot" so that I can talk with N___ (my gifted student from my own Day 5, July 9th posting)about that book about endangered owls.
Wow, you sure have found a lot of wonderful sites relating to assistive technology. You blog really shows how interested you are on the topic. You have become an info bank on so many related topics/ individuals. Great Job!
ReplyDeleteJocelyne
I'm not familiar with that book Terry but it sounds like one I'd like.
ReplyDeleteI am loving all we've learned these past few weeks about the construct of disability and the use of AT.
Thank you both for your comments.
Thanks so much for the links. I'll add them to my bookmarks.
ReplyDelete