Day 3: Proloquo2Go

Today in class we used iPod Touches and the Proloquo2Go application to make categories and create directives for nonverbal students to use for communication purposes. At first it was confusing and difficult to manipulate the touch buttons on the iPod. With practice it became easier and with Sarah's patient guidance I managed to become somewhat proficient with adding categories and specific items. The settings feature on the iPod to change the icon sizes for the Proloquo2Go application was extremely useful for visually impaired students. I thought how great it was for nonverbal students to have a voice of their own and not have to rely on others to interpret their sign language or other nonverbal means of communication. I was impressed with the presentation that a student using iPod could utilize to make his or her needs and wants known.

In class today we broke up into groups to create our own categories on Proloquo2Go for an imaginary student with a need for this assistive technology device. "Johnny" is a fully integrated integrated grade 6 student who is experiencing some fine and gross motor disabilities and has some visual difficulties. We have been instructed to create a Proloquo2Go program to fit his communication needs to express his needs and desires at home, school, hospital and community. I am looking forward to this experience to be creative and embellish on imaginary requests that a 12 year old boy may desire. As the mother of a 13 year old son I am ready and excited to participate in this endeavor! Tomorrow I'll update on our progress!