2010 Tech in the Works Awardees

Congratulations to the 2010 NCTI Tech in the Works Awardees!

Exceptional teams of researchers and vendors have been selected to examine the impact of innovative assistive technologies for students with special needs. NCTI sponsors this annual competition to inform the development of learning and assistive technologies that can improve educational results for all students, particularly those with disabilities. Learn more about the competition. We are especially pleased to again welcome promising graduate students among the winning teams. Each $20,000 award requires matching funds and requires teams to conduct and report rapid research.

2010 Awardees

Touching Lives and Creating Abilities: Social and Communication Skills with the iPad

Researchers: Scott Renner and Margaret Flores, Auburn University
Vendors: Lloyd Cooper and Foster Phillips, PUSH Product Design

Mr. Renner is a graduate student at Auburn University.

Abstract

The project will involve collaboration between Auburn University’s Assistive Technology and PUSH Product Design to improve social and communication skills of young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) utilizing the Apple iPad. PUSH Product Design will initially develop communication software and podcasts designed for the Apple iPad. The communication software will target the children’s communication skills and the podcasts will target the children’s social skills. The podcasts will display social story interventions using words, pictures, audio and video. Once the software and podcasts are developed for the Apple iPad, Auburn University’s Assistive Technology will assess the impact on the children’s social and communication skills. The project will examine 10 students diagnosed with ASD, specifically with non-verbal features, between the ages of six and ten attending elementary school in Auburn, Alabama. Initially the researchers will examine and document the children’s current communication skills and their ability to effectively interact with others. The investigators will then introduce and teach the children how to utilize the Apple iPad to improve their social and communication skills. Once the students learn how to use the device, the researchers will observe the students in the classroom to assess the effectiveness of the device on social and communication skills.

Efficacy of the GoTalk Express 32 for Increasing Communication

Researchers: Susan M. Bashinski, Melissa Darrow Engleman, and Alana Zambone, East Carolina University
Vendors: Carol Stanger and Don Severson, Attainment Company

Abstract

This study will examine the effect of Attainment Company’s newly developed GoTalk Express 32 (a voice output communication device) on the communication rates of individual learners who have disabilities. Participants in the study will each experience a significant vision loss (i.e., educational / legal blindness) and additional disabilities. Participants must demonstrate an insufficient intelligible spoken vocabulary to support successful communication and be a current user, or potential candidate, for an augmentative system for expressive communication. Participants may range in age from 5 years to 21 years. Six potential participants for the study will be identified; three of these six, who have the highest receptive language skill scores, will be selected to participate.

Single-subject research methodology will be employed. Initially, each participant’s rate of communication attempts will be measured with her current augmentative communication system. Following this baseline, the GoTalk Express 32 will be introduced. Implementing responsive education strategies (e.g., following the learner’s lead in interactions, incorporating individual preferences, and taking into account the learner’s unique cognitive and sensory skills), each learner will be taught to use the GoTalk Express 32. Data will be collected regarding the device’s auditory cueing feature–the unique feature of the GoTalk addressed in this proposal.

Interactive Storybooks for Deaf Kindergarteners

Researchers: Becky Sue Parton and Robert Hancock, Southeast Louisiana University, Dan Hoffman and Curt Radford, Lamar University
Vendor: Mike Burton, Burton Vision

Three graduate students will contribute to the research: Dan Hoffman and Curtis Radford from Lamar University; Winifred Washington from Southeastern Louisiana University.

Abstract

Storybook sharing can serve as a bridge between the language of deliver (American Sign Language) and the language of books (English print) for deaf children. For young Deaf children who receive information primarily through ASL, but are on the path to becoming bilingual (i.e. a fluent signer and able to read/write in English proficiently), a system similar to Accelerated Reader does not exist. To address this issue, we have designed a project called MBA Bound (Multimedia Books & Assessment). Conceptually the project aims to use a real book in combination with a mobile computer so that children and parents can have story time in a more natural way while developing both languages and tracking progress. The system includes a hard-copy book with embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, an RFID reader, a net-book, modified LAMBERT software designed to launch video clips of the story in ASL, and specialized Burton Vision software for students and teachers to use in assessing book comprehension. One book was selected for the grant but there are expansion opportunities. We will partner with six schools for the Deaf to pilot test the MBA-Bound project for feasibility and its effect, if any, on storybook comprehension.

Seeing the Possibilities with Videophone Technology

Researchers: Judith Emerson, John Bishop, and Linda McDowell, University of Southern Mississippi, Toni Hollingsworth, Mississippi Deaf-Blind Project
Vendors: David Hale and Paul Kershisnik, Sorenson Communications

Ms. Emerson is a graduate student at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Abstract

Seeing the Possibilities with Videophone Technology is a collaborative project proposed by the Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education Department of The University of Southern Mississippi, the Mississippi Deaf-Blind Project, and Sorenson Communications, Inc. This innovative project implements a face-to-face social networking program for students with deaf-blindness who often lack opportunities to develop meaningful relationships because of the challenges that combined hearing and vision loss create for connecting with other people and accessing information. The term deafblind brings to mind an individual such as Helen Keller; but, in reality, deafblindness has many forms and affects learning differently for each person. Deafblindness does not refer to a total inability to see or hear. Many individuals with dual sensory impairment have some residual vision and/or hearing. Children who are deafblind are not afforded equal access to available technological opportunities. This project aims to provide evidence that, with the use of Sorenson Videophone Technology, students who are deafblind are capable of benefiting from available technological innovations. By doing so, Seeing the Possibilities with Videophone Technology has the potential to increase access to social and personal development opportunities for students with combined vision and hearing impairments.