Technology Gives Students a Voice & More

The LinkPLUS keyboard is an augmentative communication device that consists of a computer-type keyboard with a small screen across the top; whatever is typed on it is heard as computer-generated speech. An article in today’s San Jose Mercury News not only describes the LinkPLUS, but suggests how it has made real changes in the lives of some autistic students at the Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE) in Sunnyvale, California, and of its executive director, Kurt Ohlfs.

In one exercise, a therapist guides Joey Netto in using a touch-screen device that displays various icons representing pre-set questions and objects. Playing the role of library clerk, Joey helps other students check out books from the collection. He uses a stylus to select questions such as, “What is your name?” The device translates the set message into spoken words. The student selects another icon to ask a student his classroom number. Another icon results in a simple “Bye” when the transaction is over.

63 percent of PACE’s students are non-verbal.

Ohlfs was originally an engineer who worked on developing touchpad devices like LinkPLUS. He first became a board member for PACE, then its interim director, and now the executive director.

It is always good to learn about new ways in which kids like my son Charlie can get their voices heard.