The Influence of AAC Device Type, Dynamic vs. Static Screen, on Peer Attitudes
By Dudek, Karen; Beck, Ann R.; Thompson, James R.; Journal of Special Education Technology, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 17-24Publication Date: Winter 2006
Study conducted to evaluate how children’s attitudes toward a peer who used augmentative and alterative communication (AAC) were influenced by whether a child used a static versus dynamic screen. Static screens devices have only one screen display such as an alphabet or picture board. To communicate with a device that has a static screen, the user selects pictures or symbols in order to communicate. Dynamic screen devices allow users to navigate through different screens that feature a wider range of symbols rather than just a single page. A total of 60 children participated in the study. Two videotapes were created, as both depicted a child using an AAC device while interacting with an adult. On one video, the child used a DeltaTalker from Prentke Romich, while the other used a DynaVox 3100. The DeltaTalker is a static screen device with synthesized voice output, while the DynaVox 3100 is a dynamic screen device that can be programmed with a variety of page links. The participants viewed either of the two videotapes, and then completed a measure of self-reported attitudes towards the children using AAC. The results did not indicate bias toward children who used one device type or the other, though gender was found to influence device acceptance. Implications for future research are discussed.
Assistive Products Discussed: DYNAVOX 3100
Published by: Exceptional Innovations (Website:http://www.exinn.net)
Technology and Media Division (TAM) of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) (Web Site: http://www.tamcec.org )
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J51191
