TECHNOLOGY HAS OPENED UP MANY OPTIONS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS. WE UNPACK THE POSSIBILITIES.

By Donnesa McPHERSON, AAS

There are many different types of assistive technology for speech and language disorders available on the market today. With the range of needs, the technology can help in communicating with others, hearing what others are saying, and emergencies.

There are many other uses for this technology ranging from nonverbal autism to the span of all the other communication disorders.

Assistive technology that is available

These are the main types of assistive technology available:

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC):

These help people who have speech and language impairments with language skills and communication. Examples can range from visual aids, which include sign language and communication boards, all the way to speech generating devices.

Assistive listening devices (ALD):

These create amplified sound that will transmit to the individual and help cut distracting background noise. This would include hearing aids, personal amplifiers, and inner cochlear implants that help improve sound transmission to the individual.