Introducing the Techno Beat
Did you hear that? UMD explores new technology in communication devices
Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: News
Most students would be surprised to hear that UMD's Department of Communication and Science Disorders (CSD) is the only place in the state that has eye-tracking technology, which uses devices to allow communication through use of eye movement for people who are paralyzed or have limited movement.
What's even more surprising is that CSD is on top of the latest technology in augmentative and alternative communication devices (AACs): They are using the brand new application for the iPod Touch and iPhone called Proloquo2go that allows clients with difficulty speaking to be heard.
"For the first time, it makes you cool to use an alternative communication device to interact in a social situation," said Jolene Hyppa Martin, an instructor in CSD.
The application enables the user to choose different scripts in conversation, and includes a vocabulary of over 7,000 words, as well as options to enter customized words and pictures. Other AACs are big and bulky, while this application can go almost anywhere with the user. But that isn't the only benefit. Most communication devices similar to Proloquo2go cost thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars.
"Of course, the advantage is the cost," Hyppa Martin said. "You can purchase and iPhone or iPod touch for $500 instead of the $5,000 it costs to get other devices."
She added that with most other devices, it usually takes six or seven months to get an evaluation and approval for use, but with Proloquo2go it only takes three weeks.
Meghan Kuznia and Brittany Kucko, both first year grad students in CSD, are in the process of creating their Plan B project, which is in place of their thesis, focused on the use of Proloquo2go.
Their idea is to work with one of their clients who has mild autism using the program, and splitting up the research after a semester. Kucko will focus on how the client's language expands and progresses after using the program and Kuznia will look at ways in which his social interactions improve.The International Review Board (IRB) approved their proposal for the idea, something they are both proud of.
"There really isn't any research like this out there," Kucko said.
Kucko and Kuznia will only get to meet with the client every other week for an hour and a half, but they are hoping the family will encourage him to consistently use his iPhone to communicate and that his social skills and opportunities to make new friends improve.
"It's using it as a tool to support his social skills," Kuznia said.
Both students think that as they enter their field, advancements in technologies like Proloquo2go and similar applications will improve many lives, and they plan to be a part of the process.
How are you adapting your life to new technologies? Contact the Statesman to tell us about it at statesma@d.umn.edu or find us on Facebook.
What's even more surprising is that CSD is on top of the latest technology in augmentative and alternative communication devices (AACs): They are using the brand new application for the iPod Touch and iPhone called Proloquo2go that allows clients with difficulty speaking to be heard.
"For the first time, it makes you cool to use an alternative communication device to interact in a social situation," said Jolene Hyppa Martin, an instructor in CSD.
The application enables the user to choose different scripts in conversation, and includes a vocabulary of over 7,000 words, as well as options to enter customized words and pictures. Other AACs are big and bulky, while this application can go almost anywhere with the user. But that isn't the only benefit. Most communication devices similar to Proloquo2go cost thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars.
"Of course, the advantage is the cost," Hyppa Martin said. "You can purchase and iPhone or iPod touch for $500 instead of the $5,000 it costs to get other devices."
She added that with most other devices, it usually takes six or seven months to get an evaluation and approval for use, but with Proloquo2go it only takes three weeks.
Meghan Kuznia and Brittany Kucko, both first year grad students in CSD, are in the process of creating their Plan B project, which is in place of their thesis, focused on the use of Proloquo2go.
Their idea is to work with one of their clients who has mild autism using the program, and splitting up the research after a semester. Kucko will focus on how the client's language expands and progresses after using the program and Kuznia will look at ways in which his social interactions improve.The International Review Board (IRB) approved their proposal for the idea, something they are both proud of.
"There really isn't any research like this out there," Kucko said.
Kucko and Kuznia will only get to meet with the client every other week for an hour and a half, but they are hoping the family will encourage him to consistently use his iPhone to communicate and that his social skills and opportunities to make new friends improve.
"It's using it as a tool to support his social skills," Kuznia said.
Both students think that as they enter their field, advancements in technologies like Proloquo2go and similar applications will improve many lives, and they plan to be a part of the process.
How are you adapting your life to new technologies? Contact the Statesman to tell us about it at statesma@d.umn.edu or find us on Facebook.
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