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Summary
The HandWave is an inexpensive, robust communication device designed with and for nonspeaking autistic people.
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The HandWave is a new type of device for persons with autism. Many autistic persons cannot speak at all or can only speak sporadically.
These people frequently use frequently assistive communication devices to enhance their interpersonal interactions. There are a wide range of these assistive devices, called AAC (Augmentative & Alernative Communication) devices, available today; they're used in autism as well as for other groups with spoken-language difficulties, such as post-stroke patients, persons with aphasia, etc.
Most AAC devices available on the market are non-electronic static devices, such as letter/word boards, or high-tech devices, essentially large computers with text-to-speech capabilities. However, Picard et al. (2008) have identified major deficits across all AAC devices. (Dr. Rosalind Picard runs the Affective Computing group at the MIT Media Laboratory.) Prohibitive price (typically around $8000/device) and poor durability and usability (current devices are “clumsy and unreliable“) were identified as major issues with current devices.
The HandWave device aims to address and remedy these concerns. The device includes a new input mode in place of buttons to indicate the user‘s choice, requiring less fine motor control (a common deficit in autism.) The HandWave team is working closely with the autistic community to develop a device well suited for the needs of nonspeaking users.
Provide a voice for 50 nonspeaking people with autism, CP, etc, and create a partnership to get these devices where they are needed.
Kathy Roberts, Executive Director of Giant Steps School
Giant Steps School, Bridgeport, CT
The Giant Steps school is an organization oriented towards serving the needs of autistic and developmentally delayed children in a supportive environment.
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"This is great!", 1 people liked this.
"This sounds reasonable and very usefu...", 1 people liked this.
"My older sister has autism and does n...", 1 people liked this.
"Great idea! I know many kids on my c...", 1 people liked this.
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HandWave: An Inexpensive, Flexible Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Device for Autism On the web
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HandWave: An Inexpensive, Flexible Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Device for Autism Site
This is really a great website . That is really a terrific site . google local seo
Posted by Kebybodeenunc on Mon, Apr 11th 2011, 10:52 Report Abuse
0 likes
I like the durability and versatility of the design. We can foresee many useful applications of HandWave for children on the autism spectrum.
Posted by Patricia Davis, MD on Tue, Apr 27th 2010, 12:52 Report Abuse
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Great idea! I know many kids on my caseload could benefit from this device!
Posted by kreitz on Sun, Apr 25th 2010, 20:51 Report Abuse
1 likes
Keep up the good work!
Posted by s. Taylor on Sun, Apr 25th 2010, 20:45 Report Abuse
0 likes
Wonderful idea - I could use it in my classroom.
Posted by H. Carloni on Sun, Apr 25th 2010, 19:25 Report Abuse
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Yea Mish and Dan
Posted by S. Rimm on Sun, Apr 25th 2010, 17:51 Report Abuse
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liking this
Posted by L. Bunny on Fri, Apr 23rd 2010, 21:35 Report Abuse
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My older sister has autism and does not speak. Something like this would have made, and might still make, a huge difference to her. You rock!
Posted by C. Perry on Fri, Apr 23rd 2010, 14:44 Report Abuse
1 likes
This sounds reasonable and very useful . Would also work for people with TBI ,Parkinses, and other issues with not being able to speak and poor coordination issues. Very neat idea.
Posted by N. Terrell on Fri, Apr 23rd 2010, 00:06 Report Abuse
1 likes
This is great!
Posted by C. Volz on Wed, Apr 21st 2010, 16:38 Report Abuse
1 likes
Hi, Phill! Thanks for the link. We are definitely familiar with scanning/switch systems for computer interfacing, which are well-developed. The HandWave would seek to meet the needs of a similar market, but it will be more portable (a standalone device for when a "medium-tech" solution is needed) and more flexible (easily adapted to the needs of the user by the user him/herself or his/her caretaker.) In addition, Dr. Hawking does not mention the price of his device, but such devices are often extremely expensive and break easily - we'd like to make something robust enough for reliable use by often active autistic users.
Posted by M. Madsen on Wed, Apr 21st 2010, 09:50 Report Abuse
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We are cheering from the distance! Ilonna Rimm
Posted by I. Rimm on Tue, Apr 20th 2010, 19:43 Report Abuse
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For any devices to help, you would get my vote. Take a look at http://www.hawking.org.uk/index.php/disability/thecomputer and see if it could do a similar job. Regards, Phill.
Posted by phillw on Tue, Apr 20th 2010, 17:51 Report Abuse
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