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Language Arts Library
Finally Has a Home... |
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WAPADH is
pleased to announce the opening of the new Language Arts and
Technology Lending Library. This onsite resource is available for
clients to seek academic assistance, enhance literacy skills, complete
independent research, and to improve individual communication plans.
The new facility is stocked with wireless mobile laptop work stations,
a digital video documentation center, a literacy center with
additional listening stations, a variety of augmentative communication
devices, as well as various educational software programs. The
Language Arts Library is also the new home of WAPADH’S free monthly
Facilitated Communication workshops.
Over the last year, with the help of generous grant funding, WAPADH
has had the opportunity to purchase a variety of new communication
devices and software. In cooperation with WACSEP (the Whittier Area
Co-operative for Special Education Programs), the WAPADH Technology
Lending Library hopes to assist children and adults with disabilities
within our community utilize technology in order to improve academic
and communication skills. For more information, please see the new
2006/2007 Technology Lending Library Catalog (included in this issue),
or contact Brady Miller-Wakeham at 562-946-0467 ext. 105. |
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Marcelo Lauria shows
his expertise on one of the many
communication devices available at the Technology
Lending Library |
WAPADH ~ WACSEP
Featuring:
- SpringBoard
- AlphaSmart
- DynaWrite
- Cheap Talk 8
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- Twin Talk
- LightWriter
- Wrist Talker
- CalcuScribe
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- Chat Box
- HotTalk
- Sidekick
- Chat PC
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| Through a partnership between the
Whittier Area Parents Association for the Developmentally
Handicapped and the Whittier Area Co-operative for Special
Education programs, our goal is to improve access to the newest
technologies and promote improved thinking and communications for
people with disabilities. |
Rules of the Lending Library
The Lending Library has been established to promote
improved access to technology and more organized thinking. It is a joint
effort between WAPADH and WACSEP. The library has been established to
provide members of our community with severe communication impairments
and movement disorders an opportunity to use various communication
devices within natural settings, and evaluate the functional
appropriateness of the equipment over time before making a decision to
purchase the equipment.
The Lending Library process will also assist
consumers in moving toward the purchase of the selected equipment. There
are a variety of means available to fund the purchase of equipment,
although the Lending Library does not guarantee the purchase of
equipment. It is not the intention of the library to act as a formal
Augmentative Communication Assessment Center. We will support any team
conducting an assessment as much as possible as resources allow.
To participate in borrowing from the Lending Library
the following guidelines should be followed:
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An application to borrow equipment must be
completed prior to reserving and/or borrowing equipment.
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The applicant must agree to take responsibility for
the equipment while it is in their possession. Loss or damage, other
than normal wear and tear, will be compensated for by the borrower.
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Those wishing to reserve and/or borrow equipment
must make an appointment to do so with the librarian.
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Equipment may be borrowed for a one month period.
The borrower must check in with the librarian two weeks after the
check out date.
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Equipment may be renewed for additional time when
available.
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Cheap Talk 8
This two level version allows you to record and re-record eight
messages on two levels with 18 seconds per message. Four jacks
allow you to plug in external switches for activating your
messages. |
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Wrist Talker
The slightest push on
the face of this wrist communicator will provide a recorded
message of up to 10 seconds. Great sound quality will enable the
user to communicate any greeting. The Wrist Talker has an
adjustable strap, and is easy to record and re-record. |
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CalcuScribe
This device is
lightweight for portable use. It can beam to other CalcuScribes,
to computers, and to printers. WordWiz and MathWiz applications
make the CalcuScribe valuable in the classroom. It has a small
visual display for text, but no voice output. |
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Communication Builder
The 7-Level Communication
allows the user to record and play back from 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16
different messages per level. There are seven levels for
recordings, giving you a total of up to 112 messages (in the 16
window setting) at the touch of a button! Total record time is 300
seconds. The unit comes equipped with 5 sturdy frame/overlays in
1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 windows, which will retain your icon sheet (not
included) and provide a separation between icon pads. |
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Chat PC
ChatPC offers a vibrant,
color dynamic display along with both synthesized and digitized
speech output. This device is a self-contained, truly portable
communication aid and includes a touch screen, amplified speaker
and extra battery - all nestled in a protective rubberized case. |
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Dana AlphaSmart
In addition to standard
AlphaSmart features, the Dana also includes WriteOutloud software,
which provides voice output capabilities. The Dana has a large
touch screen display as well. |
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LIghtWriter
This device is ideal for
conversational communication on the go. It is small, lightweight,
and portable. In addition to adjustable voice output, the
LightWriter features large, bright displays that are easily seen
by both the user and listeners. |
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DynaWrite
Developed specifically
for augmented communicators, DynaWrite can absorb the impact of
daily living. Communicators will find that it is quick and easy to
create messages of any length or complexity. Featuring VeriVox®
voice technology, the DynaWrite provides very natural sounding
speech-output. DynaVox Technologies® Voice Retention Technology®
or VRT® makes it possible to bank up to one hour of favorite
expressions or stories, etc. in natural speech that can be used on
the device at a later time. |
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HipTalk
This device is very portable—can be worn in a “fanny pack”. There
are two versions and 10 choices. Messages are pre-recorded by
staff or family. Visual icons can be placed on the buttons. |
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SpringBoard Plus
This device can be an excellent starting point
for the child or adult just beginning the augmentative
communication process, and can also be the next step for someone
who has demonstrated success with manual communication boards or
static display devices with limited message capacity. The
SpringBoard has dynamic display and voice output. |
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AlphaSmart 3000
The AlphaSmart 3000 allows you to enter and
edit text, then send it to any computer for formatting or directly
to a printer. The device features a visual text display, but no
voice output. Its portability and durability allows people to use
it anywhere and anytime—in the classroom, at home, or anywhere in
the community. |
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Twin Talk
Twin Talk is the ideal trainer, teacher and
communicator. Use it to request attention, communicate needs, make
simple choices, sing a song, make sound effects, participate in
games, and more. This device is designed to be used as a precursor
and trainer before more complex communicators are introduced. Twin
Talk allows you to record, playback and re-record two 10-second
messages. |
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Other Accessories
A variety of accessories and adaptations (I.e. keyguards, overlays,
carrying cases, etc.) are available at the library but are not listed
in this catalog.
Many thanks to the community organizations and service clubs whose
donations made this Lending Library Possible.
Technology Lending Library Contact Information:
Brady Miller-Wakeham
Librarian
562-946-0467 Ext. 105
Download Adobe Reader®
(free) to
view the Technology Lending Library Catalog!
Technology Lending Library 2006/2007 Catalog
(PDF version of information above)
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