Sunday, January 2, 2011

HighTech: Minspeak

Hello everyone! I hope you had a fantastic time in 2010. Time to start fresh and new for 2011!


To start off this year I would like to talk to you about a HighTech communication device called Minspeak. This device uses images independently or together to communicate the idea. The great thing about Minspeak is that it uses one image to communicate different things! When combining images together, different meanings are conveyed.


For example, when you see the image of an umbrella what do you think of? Depending on your life experiences and culture, the umbrella could mean rain, bright sunlight, high class, or even being at the beach. Combine the image of an umbrella with a swimsuit and you get beach!


That was only one example but you get the idea. Minspeak works with up to 100 images and is good for those who have great expressive language! Here are a few images from the Minspeak website that are real examples:





Specific individuals who would benefit from this device include those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, to name a few.


Those who work best with some fine motor adaptions can use a head pointer or any pointer-like device.


Check it out for yourself!
http://www.minspeak.com/


Have a great day!