Inclusive Technology for Learning, Living & Communicating Sudha Kaul Ph.D Executive Director Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy Kolkata

Sayomdeb Mukherjee Member ANKUR, Advocacy Group IICP ‘Technology for people with disabilities is a most beautiful thing. In the West technology has long been accepted as a way of life. In our country we have just begun. Since the last ten years I have found the positive impact of technology on my own life. I know that in India there are many more people with disabilities for whom technology would be really helpful’

What is Technology ? ‘Any tool has the potential to remove the tedium and repetition that will allow us to perform that which is most human - thinking, dreaming, and planning’

What is Technology ? ‘The application of knowledge to meet the goals, goods, and services desired by people’

What is Technology ? The set of tools, both hardware (physical) and software, that help us act and think better.

What is Assistive Technology? Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. [29 U.S.C. Sec 2202(2) ]

W ho Uses Assistive Technology? Individuals with disabilities use assistive technology to accommodate limitations due to their disabilities

What is Inclusive Technology? It is the application of scientific advances to benefit humanity

What is Inclusive Technology? Technology that supports the Rights of All Citizens

What is Inclusive Technology? Technology that provides support for learning, communication & living

What is Inclusive Technology? Technology for Empowering All People Technology that is Affordable to ALL People

Current Scenario in India 1.Multimedia educational tools 2. Communication hardware & software 3. Access switches 4. Voice output communication aids 5. Language prediction & processing tools

Communication ‘hardware’- low tech Aids for people with complex communication needs ( A ugmentative & A lternative C ommunication Users)

Augmentative & Alternative Communication Users Low Tech Communication Boards

Voice Output Communication Aid ‘GupShup’ 4 message pre-recorded device

Voice Output Communication Aid ‘Kathamala’ 16 message pre-recorded digitized speech device

Communication Software Indian Picture Symbols for Communication IPSC A library of culturally & linguistically appropriate picture icons to make communication boards developed by IICP

Access for P eople with Severe Physical Disabilities The adaptability of the computer makes it a valuable resource if used with special Access switches Special Access devices

Access Switches Alternates to the standard mouse

Access Devices Mouth sticks Head pointers Chin switches can be used to press the keys.

Access Switches Sweepsticks The first indigenously made software that is an alternative to the mouse. It allows us to make mouse movements using 2 switches. Developed at IIT Kharagpur and currently being field tested at IICP

SANYOG Software for enhancing literacy skills Grids with Hindi, Bengali (or any vernacular) words and letters as well as with half letters and matras. Dictionaries, abbreviations & action tabs for editing and file management.

SANYOG

Developed by IIT Kharagpur in collaboration with IICP A tool to facilitate language development & communication Auto-generation of syntactically and semantically correct messages Synthesized speech output in Hindi & Bengali

Multimedia Educational Tools ITCP Multimedia software developed by WML in collaboration with IICP Auto-generated programmed learning Digitised speech output Hardware interface with indigenous switches to facilitate access

Multimedia Educational Tools ITCP Multimedia software developed by WML in collaboration with IICP

Language Prediction & Processing Tools ‘Shikshak’ An educational programme in Hindi & Bengali to enhance literacy skills Developed by IIT Khargapur in collaboration with IICP

Shikshak

The NEED...Inclusive Technology Adaptive Aids Adaptive eating utensils, special plates, writing tools, bathing aids for the disabled, positioning pillows and more adaptive aids to make caring for stroke patients & the elderly easier.

The NEED...Inclusive Technology A range of programmes that train ‘cause and effect’, ‘turn-taking’, early vocabulary, syntax, cognitive concepts, auditory processing, and reading.

The NEED...Inclusive Technology Technology that provides opportunities for learning & leisure

The NEED...Inclusive Technology Technology that is AFFORDABLE to ALL people

The NEED...Inclusive Technology A word prediction software to enable students with learning disabilities in schools concentrate on the content of their work rather than struggling with the mechanics of spelling.

The NEED...Inclusive Technology For adults or older learners with special needs ‘age appropriate’ programmes

The NEED...Inclusive Technology Specialized word prediction software used with speech output can be used as a communication aid for a non- speaking individual who is using a computer.

The NEED...Inclusive Technology Assistive devices to help caregivers in bathing, feeding, dressing, positioning and transferring their loved ones.

The NEED...Inclusive Technology Technology that provides support for learning, communication, & working

The NEED..Inclusive Technology Technology for empowering all people designed to improve the quality of life of all individuals

A National Information & Resource Centre on Technology for Inclusion A Consortium of Technical Institutes; GOI; IT Industry; NGOs; Educational Institutes & People with Disabilities n A focused strategic plan for inclusive technology nR&D – focusing on need based research n Quality control n Distribution & after sales support

PRATIBANDHAKATA by Barsha Bhattacharya

Disability Disabled I may be But will not stay confined. Shall break all doors And cross the difficult times. To see the world Where people rise Facing the current Strong & wise Barsha Bhattacharya

Acknowledgements Families and students for their permission to use their photographs Barsha and Sayomdeb for their contributions Tessa and Chandrima Prof. Anupam Basu for his unstinted support to the cause of Inclusive Technology ISAAC for its contribution to AAC worldwide

Sudha Kaul PhD Vice Chair & Executive Director President Elect Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy International Society for 35/1 Taratala Road Augmentative & Alternative Kolkata Communication India www. isaac-online.org