Imagine not being able to speak your mind. Imagine communicating, not with your voice, but through a computer or a message board… or even an iPod Touch?
Globally, millions of individuals live with chronic movement disabilities, speech disorders and Autism, which complicate the speech process. With the rapid evolution of computerized devices, communication is rapidly becoming available to individuals with special needs.
For over 45 years the Whittier Area Parents Association for the Developmentally Handicapped (WAPADH), has provided best-practice evidence based community programs to individuals with special needs, promoting a successful and purpose driven life.
One element to providing a successful quality of life- is our dedication to providing a means for communication. With grants and private funding, we have had the fortune of establishing a Lending Library, to provide individuals with a communication device, for trial purposes or when the purchase of a device financially unfeasible. Such device may be a word processor, with text to speech capability, a computerized message board or most recently the iPod touch.
“We presume every individual has functional cognitive ability,” said Darlene Hanson, WAPADH communication director. “This means, everyone has something to say, and it is our goal to help them communicate successfully.”
To broaden our commitment to communication, WAPADH, has recently launched the iCommunicate Program. It is our goal to expand our Lending Library with the collection of enough iPod touch devices, iPhones (with SIM cards) and iTunes gift cards- to every individual that would benefit from a communication device.
Not only do WAPADH clients, enjoy the Touch for its iTunes capabilities, but have discovered various applications to assist with their communication needs.
Hunter Swersky recently said “now I can say it myself,” with the Speak it, text to speech, application. While Nathan Jauragui, recently created his shopping list with the Shopper application.
The iPod size and price, provide ease of access and affordability to those, who many times are reluctant to purchase larger more expensive devices. The applications make communication possible and functional for the special needs community.
“We hope this program is successful,” said Brady Miller-Wekeham, program director. “Our consumers have so much to say and these devices provide a total package- size, affordability and application options.”
For more information on the ICommunicate Program, please call Darlene Hanson at 562. 946. 0467 ext. 105.
