Module 1 Journal Entry

 Journal Prompt:

Consider possible topics for your research project in this course. What interests you about these topics and why do you think they would be a good fit for the course? Which research methodologies do you think will likely serve you well as you begin your research (experiments, literature review, surveys, etc.)?

I am leaning towards Adaptive Technology devices that aid those with speech impairment. This area falls under the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), which means all the ways that someone communicates other than speech (Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), n.d.). I have a personal connection to this area that we briefly experienced years ago when my daughter was a toddler and was diagnosed with speech delay.  In the beginnings of her speech therapy, we used picture boards with Velcro attached icons as tools to help her communicate her thoughts and needs. This method is a very low-tech AAC to help with her speech and language growth, as we navigated through her speech delay and autism diagnosis. In my research this quarter I would like to satisfy my curiosity what kind of technology is available to help people with speech impairments communicate.

In the beginning, there were non-technical AAC tools used such as pictures, drawings, and written words on pen and paper to help with communication. Or even as primitive as eye-blinks or head movements for yes/no responses.  In contrast there are very complicated high-tech AAC devices available like the one Stephen Hawking used can detect brain waves and facial expressions to translate into computer generated speech.  I find it fascinating that technology can help people with locked-in syndrome, like Hawking, overcome their limitations and continue to lead an almost normal life.  People with locked-in syndrome typically have a complete paralysis of most voluntary muscles and can no longer verbalize as a result. 

To research this area, I should explore some of the biographies of people with locked-in syndrome like Stephen Hawking and Nick Chisholm.  I would also need to investigate other areas of speech impairment such as stuttering, apraxia, and articulation issues.  Studies, experiments, and journal articles are most likely where my reading research will be found. If my daughter’s former speech therapist is still in practice, I would like to try and interview her or anyone in the speech therapy field if possible.  I would like to inquire about some of the high-tech AAC devices she uses for her various patients.

I am finding it extremely helpful that with a couple of questions and prompts helped me find an area of study for my research, seeing as only yesterday I just had a broader area in mind with Adaptive Technology.  Today I now have a focus in Augmentative and Alternative Communications and should be able to have a more straightforward journey with my research and reading.

References:

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). (n.d.). American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Retrieved April 9, 2022, from https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/