What’s an iPod?!
iPods and associated mp3 players are best known for being relatively inexpensive music players that can store thousands of songs in one portable, pocket-sized device. As they have developed over the years, many other technologies have been successfully incorporated along the way, including video, internet, email and gaming.
What do iPods have to do with communication?
Speech and Language Therapy! Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) refers to the use of hi or lo-tech communication aids to support children and adults with a range of communication difficulties. This can often be as simple as using pen and paper to help get the person’s message across. It can also be as complex as learning to use multifaceted electronic devices; these can display or read out messages that are typed in by the user or already installed by the therapist. Such devices are fantastic for users who may have learning or physical difficulties that can prevent them from speaking or writing, such as cerebral palsy, autism, apraxia of speech, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease and many others. Unfortunately, many hi-tech AAC devices are very expensive and subsequently often unavailable on the NHS.
A recent newspaper article at http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/247977 demonstrates how the iPod Touch could also now potentially revolutionise the world of AAC. It explains that a boy called Romeo has autism and apraxia of speech, meaning that “sounds, syllables and words are hard for him to execute, and he relies on sign language”. By using an iPod Touch ( UK prices start at £152) with an application/program called Proloquo2Go (approximately £109), Romeo has been able to use his iPod as a sophisticated type of AAC. With instruction from his speech therapist, Romeo will hopefully be able to use it to support him in everyday life – asking to go to the toilet, for a drink, to say that he’s hungry, to socialise, and to talk about his feelings if he wants or is able to. There are also the other, ‘normal’ iPod features that can be made use of – listening to music particularly can have a positive effect on people with sensory issues such as sound sensitivity/anxiety, which can occur with autism. This is also a much more current, relevant and funkier device for teenagers and adults who may find typical AAC devices too clunky, boring and patronising. And perhaps most importantly for parents/carers, it appears to be a cost-effective option compared with typical AAC devices that can run into thousands of pounds worth of equipment. Proloquo2Go is also available for the iPhone and iPad if you already own or prefer to use these devices.
If you are interested in using an iPod to support your communication, or that of your child’s, ask your speech and language therapist for advice. Different types of AAC are suitable for different individuals, depending on their interests and abilities.
I.T.S can assess your child’s/young person’s high tech and low tech communication needs and provide access to devices for trial. I.T.S can also offer this service to adults.
Sarah Bennington – May 2010
Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services. I.T.S is a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire and the East Midlands . It specialises in providing highly-skilled speech and language therapists, but also associates with other therapeutic professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and Creative Expressive Therapists.
