Inclusive Technology for Learning, Living & CommunicatingSudha Kaul Ph.DExecutive DirectorIndian Institute of Cerebral Palsy Kolkata

Sayomdeb MukherjeeMember ANKUR,Advocacy Group IICP Technology for people with disabilities is a most beautiful thing. In the West technology has long been accepted as a way of life. In our country we have just begun. Since the last ten years I have found the positive impact of technology on my own life. I know that in India there are many more people with disabilities for whom technology would be really helpful

What is Technology ? Any tool has the potential to remove the tedium and repetition that will allow us to perform that which is most human - thinking, dreaming, and planning

What is Technology ?

The application of knowledge to meet the goals, goods, and services desired by people

What is Technology ?

The set of tools, both hardware (physical) and software, that help us act and think better.

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

[29 U.S.C. Sec 2202(2) ]

Who Uses Assistive Technology?

Individuals withdisabilities useassistivetechnology toaccommodatelimitations due totheir disabilities

What is Inclusive Technology?It is the application of scientific advances to benefit humanity

What is Inclusive Technology?

Technology that supports the Rights of All Citizens

What is Inclusive Technology? Technology that provides support for learning, communication& living

What is Inclusive Technology?

Technology for Empowering All People

Technology that is Affordable to ALL People

Current Scenario in India

Multimedia educational tools

2. Communication hardware & software

3. Access switches

4. Voice output communication aids

5. Language prediction & processing tools

Communication hardware- low tech Aids for people with complex communication needs(Augmentative & Alternative Communication Users)

Low tech.Message Cards

Abduls StoryMessage Cards!

Bishs Picture Book

Augmentative & Alternative Communication UsersLow Tech Communication Boards

Voice Output Communication Aid GupShup

4 message pre-recorded device

Voice Output Communication Aid Kathamala

16 message pre-recorded digitized speech device

Communication SoftwareIndian Picture Symbols for CommunicationIPSC

A library of culturally & linguistically appropriate picture icons to make communication boards developed by IICP

Access for People with Severe Physical Disabilities

The adaptability of the computer makes it a valuable resource if used with special Access switches

Special Access devices

Access Switches

Alternates to the standard mouse

Access DevicesMouth sticks Head pointers Chin switches can be used to press the keys.

Access SwitchesSweepsticks The first indigenously made software that is an alternative to the mouse. It allows us to make mouse movements using 2 switches. Developed at IIT Kharagpur and currently being field tested at IICP

SANYOG Software for enhancing literacy skills Grids with Hindi, Bengali (or any vernacular) words and letters as well as with half letters and matras. Dictionaries, abbreviations & action tabs for editing and file management.

SANYOG

SANYOG Developed by IIT Kharagpur in collaboration with IICP

A tool to facilitate language development & communication Auto-generation of syntactically and semantically correct messages Synthesized speech output in Hindi & Bengali

Multimedia Educational Tools ITCP Multimedia software developed by WMLin collaboration with IICP

Auto-generated programmed learningDigitised speech outputHardware interface with indigenous switches to facilitate access

Multimedia Educational Tools ITCP Multimedia software developed by WMLin collaboration with IICP

Language Prediction & Processing Tools

Shikshak An educational programme in Hindi & Bengali to enhance literacy skills

Developed by IIT Khargapur in collaboration with IICP

Shikshak

The NEED...Inclusive Technology Adaptive Aids Adaptive eating utensils, special plates, writing tools, bathing aids for the disabled, positioning pillows and more adaptive aids to make caring for stroke patients & the elderly easier.

The NEED...Inclusive Technology A range of programmes that train cause and effect, turn-taking, early vocabulary, syntax, cognitive concepts, auditory processing, and reading.

The NEED...Inclusive Technology

Technology that provides opportunities for learning & leisure

The NEED...Inclusive TechnologyTechnology that isAFFORDABLE toALL people

The NEED...Inclusive Technology A word prediction software to enable students with learning disabilities in schools concentrate on the content of their work rather than struggling with the mechanics of spelling.

The NEED...Inclusive TechnologyFor adults or older learners with special needsage appropriateprogrammes

The NEED...Inclusive Technology Specialized word prediction software used with speech output can be used as a communication aid for a non-speaking individual who is using a computer.

The NEED...Inclusive Technology Assistive devices to help caregivers in bathing, feeding, dressing, positioning and transferring their loved ones.

The NEED...Inclusive TechnologyTechnology that provides supportfor learning,communication, & working

The NEED ..Inclusive Technology

Technology forempowering allpeople designed toimprove the qualityof life of all individuals

A National Information & Resource Centre on Technology for InclusionA Consortium of Technical Institutes; GOI; IT Industry; NGOs; Educational Institutes& People with Disabilities

A focused strategic plan for inclusive technologyR&D focusing on need based researchQuality controlDistribution & after sales support

PRATIBANDHAKATA by Barsha Bhattacharya

Disability

Disabled I may beBut will not stay confined.Shall break all doorsAnd cross the difficult times.To see the worldWhere people riseFacing the currentStrong & wise

Barsha Bhattacharya

Acknowledgements

Families and students for their permission touse their photographs

Barsha and Sayomdeb for their contributions

Tessa and Chandrima

Prof. Anupam Basu for his unstinted support to the cause of Inclusive Technology

ISAAC for its contribution to AAC worldwide

Sudha Kaul PhD

Vice Chair & Executive Director President ElectIndian Institute of Cerebral Palsy International Society for 35/1 Taratala Road Augmentative & AlternativeKolkata- 700 0088 Communication India 91-33-24013337 sudhakaul@vsnl.comssei@vsnl.com www. isaac-online.orgwww.iicpindia.com