Communication Devices for People with Cerebral Palsy
Traditional forms of communication can be a struggle for people who have cerebral palsy, who may have trouble speaking due to muscle spasms in their throat, mouth or tongue. They may also have hearing impairments, which can make hearing and forming the proper sounds associated with speech more difficult. Communication devices can be a vital asset when it comes to effective communication strategies for people with CP.
What are Communication Devices?
Communication devices are also known as Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. Some examples of low-tech AAC devices can include the use of gestures or expressions to represent words. High-tech examples of AAC include various devices that utilize computer technology, like some communication boards or eye-tracking technology systems. Communication devices come in a wide array of shapes and sizes and are often customized in some fashion for the user. The role they play in the person's life may be big or small, but they allow for easier communication, which saves time, effort, and oftentimes feelings of frustration for the user.
Why are Communication Devices Important?
Being able to communicate in a traditional sense (that is, through speech or writing) is often taken for granted by people on a day-to-day basis. But what if you didn't have that same ability to communicate through speech? What if you were unable to write properly, or hear those around you? How would you express your needs, wants or feelings? Picturing yourself in this scenario may give you a clue as to why communication devices are so important for people who have cerebral palsy.
Communication devices can vastly improve the mental and physical health of the people who use them, allowing them to lead a healthier and happier life. They can help to improve communication skills, allow for smoother socializing and make actively engaging in the world much easier.
Types of Communication Devices
There are many different types of communication devices available on the market today. Some of the most popular are listed below, but there are also always home-made apparatus and unique communication assistive technology that may be developed specifically for the individual who will be using them.
Writing and Typing Aids
Writing and typing aids come in a variety of different forms and are designed to help people with cerebral palsy hold pens and pencils and utilize keyboards. Special grips can be used on pens and pencils to make writing easier. These grips are also available for utensils like silverware and toothbrushes, and typically expand the graspable area of the tool.
Handclips or cuffs are able to be adjusted to the user's condition and hand shape, and also help when it comes to holding onto writing or eating utensils.
Wrist supports work by holding the hand in an extended position and can help those with weaker wrists properly hold utensils.
When it comes to typing, some keyboards come with larger keys to make them easier to press. Talk-to-text technology can also help process spoken word and turn it into text on a device like a computer.
Hearing Aids and Implants
Hearing aids and implants can help those who have hearing impairments as a result of cerebral palsy. Being able to hear sounds more clearly allows for easier communication. Traditional hearing aids help to amplify sounds of certain frequencies, while more severe hearing loss can be improved through cochlear implants, which help process sounds into speech.
Communication Boards
Communication boards lay out words, letters, or phrases, which can then simply be pointed to or tapped by the user.
Low Tech vs High Tech Communication Boards
Simple communication boards can be created by laminating sheets of paper with letters, words, or phrases on them. These boards are available for purchase or can even be homemade.
High-tech boards are electronic. They can either take the form of a dedicated device or an app or program on a mainstream device like a tablet. These communication boards typically categorize images and phrases, allowing them to be searched and selected quickly.
Alternative Inputs to Communication Devices
Hearing aids and implants can help those who have hearing impairments as a result of cerebral palsy. Being able to hear sounds more clearly allows for easier communication. Traditional hearing aids help to amplify sounds of certain frequencies, while more severe hearing loss can be improved through cochlear implants, which help process sounds into speech.
Speech Generating Devices
Speech generating devices work under the same principle as communication boards, with words or phrases being pointed to or selected on a screen. After words have been typed or tapped, they are then read aloud by the communication device.
Eye-Tracking Technology
Eye-tracking technology is ideal for those who are unable to use their arms, wrists, hands or fingers due to their cerebral palsy. Using eye movements, they can select letters, words or phrases on a communication board, allowing them to speak with others. These devices are easy to use, though they are a more expensive option.
While cerebral palsy can potentially make communication harder, there are many different ways to overcome difficulties with writing, typing and speech. Adaptive technology has come a long way in recent years and has made it easier for people with cerebral palsy to communicate with the world around them.
Pre-Register for Abilities Expo Today...It's Free!