COMMUNICATION
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is non-verbal communication used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. It includes physical gestures and facial expressions, but also written words pictures and symbols. AAC is used with learners of special needs.
One low tech tool that can be used in classroom communication are Picture Communication Symbols. PCS are small flash cards attached to a key ring or made into a picture book. Pictures on these cards along with printed directions, such as, sit down, do not run, or the student's wants, like a cup or an apple . The teacher or aide verbally gives direction along with the visual PCS that gives visual cues and pictures modeling the desired behavior to the student. For the child, it offers a tangeable method of communication to the adult.
Software An example of high tech communication tool is the WIViK on-screen keyboard. Any alternative mouse or pointing device can be used with the virtual keyboard software. With the selection of a letter, word prediction is enabled to select appropriate words faster. Orally limited students have access to speech output and feedback with this program. It is also adaptable for the Internet, and acts as a text reader for existing or scanned content.
ACCESSIBILITY
Traditional computer keyboards cannot be used by most physically disabled people. Alternative means in hardware are needed to accommodate missing fingers or hands to input information into the computer software. For a student with special needs, an input device that is activated by motion, nerve or muscle signals, or sometimes brain activity.
Input devices come in a variety of ways for different limitations. Large or split keyboards can be adjusted to give comfort to the disabled user, such as the DataHand Ergonomic Keyboard (right). A traditional mouse can be exchanged for a joystick or alternative rolling device for those without fine motor skills. Sensitive touch screens are now offered with a stylus for one handed or oral control. Some software is speech sensitive and allows basic processes.
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One low tech tool that can be used in classroom communication are Picture Communication Symbols. PCS are small flash cards attached to a key ring or made into a picture book. Pictures on these cards along with printed directions, such as, sit down, do not run, or the student's wants, like a cup or an apple . The teacher or aide verbally gives direction along with the visual PCS that gives visual cues and pictures modeling the desired behavior to the student. For the child, it offers a tangeable method of communication to the adult. 
I think it's so interesting that technology today enables us to make up for things like individuals without fine motor skills can use a joystick or another device that rolls instead of using a mouse. There are even sensitive touch screens avaialable for one handed roll. That is just incredible to me. Nice job!
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