The field of assistive technology applies to anyone using a smart device. Though this also applies to the new emerging tools and resources for those that face any disability(ies) making the technology more accessible. The voice of Siri, an artificial intelligent system, has become a household name for Apple users. This system is voice activated and takes the cue from the speaker assisting with internet search, directions, or making phone calls. But, Siri is only one of the many available today, and some of us need more assistance. In the classroom environment, assistive technology can help with literacy needs, note taking, organization, communication, visual and hearing impairments, and so much more!
These are exciting times that we live in - the age of artificial intelligence - that enables a population to living with more agency than ever before! I found five free applications that are really helpful in the education arena: Seeing AI, AudioNote 2, SoundingBoard, Ridit, and Smiling Mind.
Seeing AI can be downloaded through Microsoft or Apple App stores to your tablet or smartphone device. It helps those that have a visual impairment to make sense of the world that they cannot see. With the use of you device's camera, the AI will describe what is around you, it can read barcodes, facial recognition, read text, colorz, and more.
AudioNote 2 can be downloaded through Apple App store to your iPad or iPhone device. This is an interactive way to take notes incorporating drawing tools, recorded lectures alongside written notes, and a way to catalog and share with others. This application is helpful to those that struggle with listening, comprehension, attention and more.
SoundingBoard this application can be downloaded through the Apple App store to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch device. This is a wonderful way for those that are non-verbal communicators to learn how to communicate. There are different boards that cover various topics of daily language usage connected with images and when touched will speak for the non-verbal person. It helps the learner connect the imagery to the words produced for that icon.
Ridit this application can be downloaded on Google, Apple, Microsoft app store directly to your smart device. This is a helpful literacy tool for those that find their dyslexia challenging. It can scan the text that you need to read and then break it down into one word read at a time. The font is dyslexia friendly, and the speed and font size can be adjusted to your satisfaction. This can used in the classroom or in the comfort of your home!
Smiling Mind can be downloaded to any smart device downloaded from your app store. This can be used by educators to cultivate a more conscious and meditative environment for their students. But, this can also be used by individuals, helping to process feelings, and connect your mind and body. These are very helpful tools to those that might struggle with communication or awareness to others emotions, helping the individual to be more cognizant of how to connect with others. It also can aid more effective communication about how an individual feels and if their needs are being met. This app can help resolve conflict and lessen anxious behavior.
As I went through each of theses applications I imagined what more an application could offer to those that need assistive technology to live more independently. I realized sometimes, the AI is not enough and we need a physical person. I thought that if the gig economy could support an service such as Uber and DoorDash could there not also be room for caregivers. There are those that cannot afford to pay a full-time caregiver/companion and it would be really cool if they could hire someone just for the day without the long-term financial responsibility. I really hope that we will see something like this in the future because as much as AI has brought much fulfillment to people's lives, I think there is nothing that beats human beings helping out one another.
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