What is "low tech" commnication devices

Low tech communication devices are any device that does not involve electronics or electricity. Because low tech systems do not require batteries or becuase there is no electronic parts there is no option for voice output. The person using the device must rely on what is called "listener mediated" output. Basically the ‘listener’, or communication partner ‘reads’ what the augmented communicator is indicating and translates it. Low-tech communication systems require both the user and thier communication partner to be actively involved in the interaction. The responibility for acheiving effective communication is shared, with the listener taking a substantial part in working out the final message.

Scott, Janet (1998). Low Tech Methods of Augmentative Communication. Augmentative Communication in Practice: An Introduction. Retrieved November 24, 2011 from http://www.acipscotland.org.uk/Scott.pdf

The student using the communication system would have to indicate to thier partner which symbol, letter or word is being selected. This can be achieved by simply pointing or for a student with physical limitations they may have to point with their eyes. Other augmentative communication users may use light pointers (perhaps worn on a sweat band around their head) to access a communication display, while some may use head or mouth sticks or hand-held pointers.

Here is a student using his feet to select letters. Some students may use thier head by tilting it side to side to select,or thier feet or simply eye gaze. It is necessary that thier partner pays close attention to what is selected so the student can communicate thier needs. These communication systems would be difficult to have back and forth conversations as it would take a long time for the student to say a full sentnece. It is more used for getting wants and needs addressed. For students with poor motor control it could be very frustrating for them. A student at my last school used her eyes to communicate. It was mainly for yes/no questions. If her answer was no she would look to the right and if it was yes she would look to her left.

The following are some types of low tech communication systems that students may have:

Communication Boards

Symbols on communication boards are displayed on a 2-dimensional matrix. The actual size of the communication board depends on the physical ability of the user and thier needs. Boards can be made for different activities so that the student could have numerous boards for communicating. These boards are easy to make. Boardmaker is a very user freindly progam that allows teachers to make grids from one to two pictures up to twenty or more pictures.

Communication or Conversation Books

In a communication book symbols are displayed on pages of a binder or photo album. The communication books can allow a number of items to be stored in a relatively small space and easily transported with the student. For young students these books can be on a strap that the student wears across thier shoulder. These books can be used as an introductory before the student moves on to the "high tech" communication systems.

Topic Boards

Topic boards are restricted vocabulary of symbols that are displayed on a 2-dimensional matrix. The vocabulary set is topic specific, for instance the board on the left is specific to Valentine's Day and can be used to help plan activities.

These low tech choices are just a few that are available for students. As I look at these and some high tech devices it is easy to see the benefits of both. Both systems could be costly, For the communication boards there would be the need to be constantly making new symbols and boards as the curriculum changed. To have them last longer they would need to be printed on cardstock and laminated to ensure they would last. The high tech devices would be costly and only one student can use it at one time.

Pyramid Educational Consultants. Retrieved on November 24, 2011 from
http://www.pecs.org.uk/shop/asp/prodtype.asp?prodtype=7