iCommunicator Special Needs

Individuals with special communication access needs, such as those listed below, may be candidates for the iCommunicator system:

Deaf or hard of hearing
Significant speech or voice disorder
Learning disability (e.g., dysgraphia)
Auditory processing disorder, learning disability, and/or severe language impairment that results in difficulty with multitasking and note-taking
Attention deficit disorder that results in the need for note taker assistance
Visual impairment (e.g., low vision)
Physical impairment
English as a Second Language (ESOL)

Independent Use: Candidacy Criteria Considerations

These characteristics, abilities, and requirements should be considered by the evaluation and planning teams when determining if the iCommunicator program is the appropriate communication access technology. The criteria considerations for independent use should be factored into the evaluation and planning process to reach an informed recommendation. Communication access needs should be identified in order to determine effectiveness gains. For use as a learning station in a classroom or other facility, there are no limitations, as the use of the iCommunicator would be under the direction of the classroom teacher, supervisor, or other professional.

Communication Access Needs (i.e., workplace, education, lifestyle)

a.
b.
c.

2. Age of user

3. Cognitive level

Ability to learn and remember new procedures
Ability to troubleshoot and/or problem-solve
Attention span
Divided attention (i.e., ability to divide attention among windows displayed, the speaker, and other visual displays in the environment)
Working memory

4. Language level and primary mode of communication (receptive and expressive language skills)

Language processing ability
Vocabulary level
Language comprehension level (e.g., ability to chunk information, use tag words as meaning clues)
Ability to derive meaning using contextual clues

5. Reading comprehension level

Word recognition level (i.e., at least second grade level)
Spelling ability
Grade equivalent/Standard Score
Visual processing speed

6. Personal Characteristics

Motivation to use the iCommunicator software program
Responsibility and maturity
Self-discipline
Patience with using this type of technology
Appraisal by teacher(s)/supervisors and parent/caregiver

7. Computer literacy

Keyboard skills
Ability to navigate the Windows operating system
Need for external mouse or other peripherals

8. Purpose for use (e.g., classroom instruction, access in the workplace, access to services)

Content (e.g., core subject area, therapy tool, staff meetings, training, counseling, intake data)
Delivery style (e.g., primarily lecture, highly interactive, small groups, one-on-one)
Willingness of speakers to provide accessibility by creating a speech/voice recognition file and using the technology
Amount of use per day
Availability of back-up plan for when iCommunicator interface is unavailable

9. User supports