Research Activity PECS system

Renee-Lynn Sanchez
ED443 Assistive Technology
TOPIC: The use of the PECS system as an assistive technology for children with Autism

I. Assistive Technology Device Websites
http://www.specialed.us/autism/assist/asst10.htm
This web page gives a quick overview of Assistive Technology. It then goes over various types of assistive technology used for children with Autism, to build communication skills and social interactions. The AT devices improve the communication skills of students with Autism. Some AT devices/ programs include the Visual Representation System, it utilizes visuals to communicate different situations. Boardmarker is a program that utilizes 3000 picture communication symbols PCS. Another software, utilized is the Picture This Software. It contains 2,700 real picture communication symbols.

http://www.who.int/disabilities/technology/en/
Is the definition of the Picture Communication Symbol system. It gives a brief overview of the program and what it is utilized for. It is primary for individuals with no speech and limited means of communication. It gives really basic information on different things.

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/Dictionary.html
This website allows you to create your own picture communication dictionary. There is a fee attached to using this website. There are pictures of different things that people would use in everyday communication. The pictures are not realistic. I thought this was an okay web page. I did not like a fee that is attached for using this website.

http://www.usevisualstrategies.com/pictures.html
This website has basic information on creating a picture communication system. It was currently undergoing reconstruction. It did provide links to various pictures that can be utilized to help in creating a basic communication system.
Hygiene Cards
Housekeeping
Scheduling Cards
Emotions & Self Management

http://www.novitatech.org.au/product.asp?p=247&id=1877
This website goes over the Picture Master Language Software. It is a software program with an extensive library of symbols, realistic illustrations and photos. You can use it as an on-screen multi-level communication system or to create printable resources for communication and education. It provides examples of pictures and allows you to purchase the software online.

http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/
This is an assistive technology blog, where different individuals around the world can communicate about assistive technology. There are articles that are attached in some of the blogs. I would recommend this site to anyone who wants to find out about a specific assistive technology device. I believe it is a good way to find out the opinions of others in regard to assistive technology.


Assistive Technology Organization
http://www.who.int/disabilities/technology/en/
It is the World Health Organizations Assistive Technology Page. It goes over what the world health organization is doing in terms of assistive technology. It gives brief examples of various types of assistive technology. It is not very informative. I would not recommend this web page. It just provides the user with the basic information in regards to assistive technology.

http://www.atia.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1

This is the Assistive Technology Industry Association Web site. It contains information on assistive technology education, assistive technology products, and networking. It has been around for 10 years and offers information on different assistive technology products, resources and information. I found this to be a good resource. I would recommend this web site to anyone seeking information on assistive technology.

http://www.rehabtool.com/

This is the World -Class Assistive Technology organization. It offers a wide range of information on different types of assistive technology products. It also has events and resources. This is a good place for looking up different assistive technology devices for specific disabilities. I really liked this website.


http://www.talkaboutcuringautism.org/learning/pecs.htm
This is the official TACA ( Talk About, Curing, Autism) website. It goes over the Picture Exchange Communication System and how it assists in helping children with Autism. It promotes the use of the PECS as a means for communicating wants and needs. It’s stresses that a digital camera can be used for creating a PECS. I agree with TACA. I believe anyone can put together a Picture Communication System.


Assistive Technology Research Articles

http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=4&hid=17&sid=76891211-972e-4da2-bd7e-4545000bbb0e%40sessionmgr8
This is a journal article was found on EBSCO. It is a study that compares the use of Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and a Voice Output Communication Aide (VOCA) in teaching 4 preschool students with limited communication skills. The results for the 4 students varied from one child to the other. All children made progress.

http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdf?vid=4&hid=17&sid=76891211-972e-4da2-bd7e-4545000bbb0e%40sessionmgr8
This is an article found on EBSCO. It is a case study on the use of the Picture Exchange Communication System on a child who is both autistic and deaf. The study confirmed the effectiveness of the PECS system. It was an individual case study. I enjoyed this article.

http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdf?vid=4&hid=17&sid=76891211-972e-4da2-bd7e-4545000bbb0e%40sessionmgr8
This article was found on EBSCO. It is a study on the use of the Picture Exchange Communication System with 6 non- verbal and mentally retarded adults. The results of the study indicate an improvement in communication for those trained to use the PECS. Results from the study varied in the participants, some adults did better than others.
http://helpingtogrow.istores.com/inc/sdetail/58
This web page contains information on a software that is utilized in the Picture Exchange Communication System. This software contains 10,000 pictures. It is used as an AT software for children with autism
http://www.ttac.odu.edu/Articles/assistiv2.html
This is an article that highlights the use of assistive technology for effective communication in the classroom. It includes factors that need to be considered when using Assistive Technology Communication devices. It also provides suggestions for teachers who communicates using an assistive technology.

http://www.asdb.state.az.us/it/assist/commtech.html
This webpage gives an overview on Augmentative Alternative Communication, which is a system that allows communication from one person to another without the use of words. The AAC may include pictures, drawings, writings, sign language, etc. It is a system that provides a variety of means for communication