CD: 315 ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROJECTBRIANNA MCCLUNG

Speaking Dynamically Pro (SD Pro)

What?

• Speaking Dynamically Pro (SD Pro) is a communication software that uses a computer as a speech-output device and can create interactive educational activities.

Where?

• Speaking Dynamically Pro (SD Pro) costs $363.00 and can be ordered online at www.enablemart.com.

Who?

• An individual with a speech output problem, such as, an articulation or phonological disorder.

• Evidence shows the program can help cerebral palsy students by allowing them to build grids of buttons a mouse can activate to get a speaking voice or sound effect.

• This software was also tested on children with Autism and found to be more successful than other software in helping them with their speech output.

• Overall, with any communication disorder having the ability to record your voice, hear it back, and having the option of text to speech would be beneficial.

Why?

Reasons to use...

• The SD Pro has interactive activities to improve reading and writing, create student portfolios, schedules, dictionaries, and more.

• Users, especially students, with communication disorders need schedules and extra help. This software will give them that help.

• It helps actively involve students in a classroom setting by teaching and reviewing curriculum concepts.

• It gives the user assessments on the computer, and has training on using symbols and dynamic displays.

• It also comes with many features and capabilities.

Features

• Text to speech• Recorded speech• Pop-up boards• Board-change indicators• Ability to link boards• Ability to print messages• Random responses• Invisible buttons• Abbreviation expansion• Word prediction with

customizable dictionaries• Special text buttons for

text users to set up their own conversations

• Build sentences with symbols or text

• Ability to highlight words as it reads

• Ability to play QuickTime® movies

• Ability to launch other programs

• Button magnification for low vision

• Customizable auditory and visual scanning

• Over 90 sample boards

Capabilities

• Play movies and launch other programs• Customizable auditory and visual scanning • Combined picture and message display

(which lets you put pictures and text in the same display)

• Word processing features• Special text buttons that make it easy to set

up and save conversations• Setups which allow a person using switches

to easily open and save things without using system software

Benefits

• The software has different access methods that include the ability to use a mouse, touch screen, joystick, trackball, head pointing device, alternate keyboard, or switch. This is a benefit because some users will have more than a speech problem. So, if they are unable to use one access method there is at least 6 other choices.

• The software focuses on, not only speech, but education. It can be used in the classroom setting as a learning tool and assisting the user with socializing.

• There is also different age-appropriate categories of pictures available, so it fits that particular users needs.

• A tool used for creating interactive activities, which gives the user a chance to communicate and this is key to improve a speech problem.

Benefits (cont.)

• Can be used by verbal or non-verbal users. • Can be used on a laptop computer or a

portable touch screen device, which makes it easy to use in hospitals and nursing homes.

• Use your own digital pictures from a digital camera for your boards.

References

• Cook, A. M., Dobbs, B. M., Warren , S., & Mckeever, R. (2005). Measuring target acquisition utilizing madentec’s tracker system in individuals with cerebral palsy. Technology and Disability, 17(3), 155-163. Retrieved October 5, 2008, from Academic Search Premiere.

• Feature and idea overview for speaking dynamically pro version 5.x for windows (2008). Retrieved October 18, 2008, from http://www.mayer-johnson.com/TipsAndTricks.aspx?DirID=Speaking%20Dynamically%20Pro

• Mirenda, P. (2003). Toward functional augmentative and alternative communication for students with autism. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools , 34, 203-216. Retrieved October 5, 2008, from http://www.asha.org

• Speaking dynamically pro (1999). Retrieved October 7, 2008, from http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Communication-Software/Speaking-Dynamically-Pro

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