Assistive Technology for Speech/ Language Impairment

Speech/ Language Impairment

            Speech and language impairments affect 20% of students currently getting special education services.  Even more 50%, receive speech and language services because of another condition. “Speech and language impairment is defined as a communication disorder that adversely affects the child's ability to talk, understand, read, and write. This disability category can be divided into two groups: speech impairments and language impairments.”  (Project Ideal)  There are three types of speech impairments, fluency, articulation, and voice disorder.  Fluency disorder students may have trouble with rhythm and pausing or hesitant, common issues students may experience are stuttering and cluttering.  Students with articulation disorders may have errors with sounds including omission of letters, substitutions, or distortions with words.  While students with voice disorders may have problems with how long they can use their voice, pitch or volume level.

 

            There are five types of language disorders, phonological disorders, morphological disorders, semantic disorders, syntactical deficits, and pragmatic difficulties.  Students with phonological disorder have difficulty organizing and saying sounds correctly.  Morphological students will have problems with inflection.  While syntactical students “produce shorter and less elaborate sentences with fewer cohesive conjunctions than their peers”.  (Project Ideal)  Finally Students with pragmatic disorder have difficulty comprehending language, and typically many social issues. 

            These disorders can make it hard to communicate and can range from severe to mild in intensity.  Assistive technology for speech and language impairments can be put into two categories.  The first category is computer programs to help develop language and speech.  One program mentioned is First Words, which works with students on graphic presentations and high-frequency nouns (Project Ideal).  The second type of assistive technology for students with speech and hearing disorders is “augmentative or alternative communication (AAC). AAC is the use of symbols, aids, strategies, and techniques to enhance the communication process. This includes sign language and various communication boards, both manual and electronic, that are used by individuals with impaired oral motor skills.” (Project Ideal)   Communication boards help students make choices, can be very simple choices such as lunch options or very complex and create discussions. 

            I believe the future for speech and hearing disorders could be the i-pads, to create more programs to help with communication.  As well could have specialized programs geared to help students with areas they need most help with.  

Reference:

http://www.projectidealonline.org/speechLanguageImpairments.php