A beautiful vision of the future…..

Our children are treasures. They are a source of incredible joy which is often complicated by many challenges and fears. Nothing ever fully prepares us for what we may face. Having a child with a disability encompasses all of these same feelings.  This video is a beautiful way to help all of us understand the joy and futures which await. It is also a reminder that we are able to connect with each other in so many ways now, that no one is alone, and there are communities of people who are there to share in both the joys and challenges, no matter what the situation may be. There is incredible hope, resilience, strength and perseverance that all of us have within, especially when we do this together.

Synthetic Voices, AAC & Our Humanity

Rupal Patel provided a very enlightening TED Talk on synthetic voices.  For people who are not able to speak and require the use of advance augmentative and alternative communication systems, they are often confined to the voice selections available on that particular device. Individuality is very limited. Dr. Patel has looked as this barrier in a very different manner. By using a combination of the individual’s voice and a voice donor, a more individualized voice can be developed which better represents that of the person who will be using it on their advanced device. This is absolutely amazing and allows the personality and uniqueness of each person to be expressed through their device in a much more naturalized manner which is personal.  Please take the time to watch the progress which has been made. Additional surrogate talkers are needed. Please consider becoming involved in this incredible project. If you are interested in helping please sign up at VocalID.org.

 

Dynamic Shape Display

The MIT Media Lab is developing a new tool which will allow for tangible interactions through the use of a typical computer. InForm from the MIT Tangible Media Group looks at integrating tangible interactions in a much more dynamic manner. After reviewing this, I am wondering if this could be a better way to make connections with students who may need to be at home for long periods of time due to illness. It would be more than a video presence. There could be some level of interaction with materials to enhance distance learning. Students could feel and be more connected with their classroom. There is a lot of room for creativity here in making the experience quite unique.