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What is simple technology? |
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Obtaining various experiences
is very important for us to enrich our lives and have enjoyable time.
A mind of self-confidence that "I can do it" and the will
that "I want to do more" is cultivated through various experiences.
In addition, enjoying exchanging ideas and making decision in communication
forms the basics of communication ability. Wherever you live, children
or adults, whatever disability you have, it remains same. But in reality,
there may be some limitations due to the disability, or some people
are lack of experiences even though they have interests. People often
say, "How can we work out better?"
What can we do to support people with disability? Then, the idea of
multi-direction approach is formulated. If we try alternative method,
they might be able to participate in activities... Can we make more
situations they can participate in? Through these ideas, simple technology
is put to use as one of the tools.
But using switches, electrical toys or computer doesn't mean your
children can experience may things. Activities and methods have to
be suited for children's needs. And supporters need to know children's
actual conditions. Otherwise, they only press switches or watch monitors
sitting in front of computers. Try making the best use of their ability
and let's think about the good usage of simple technology to enrich
their heart together! |
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How to connect an electric toy and a switch using BD adapter |
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[Connection] |
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For playing with electric toys,
we need BD adapter (Battery Device Adapter) for connection between
an electric toy and a switch.
BD adapter is a sheet copper pasted on both sides of a plastic
plate, and a cord is connected to it. |
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[How
to use] |
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1) |
Open a battery box of an electric
toy. Insert BD adapter to + or - of a battery contact.
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2) |
Turn the power of the electric
toy on, and plug a switch to the jack of BD adapter. |
3) |
When a child presses the switch,
an electric current is sent and the toy put in motion.
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The application to everyday life |
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Playing with toys is not
only a play. It can be applicable to various situations in childrenユs
everyday life. We can use toys and switches for VOCA in childrenユs
daily life. In this case, we need a control unit of electric devices
that can be operated with one switch or a remote control device. These
controllers regulate electric devices, so children can use the same
switches for toys and operates electric devices. |
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How to connect an electric device with a control unit and
a switch.
(When using Power Link 2 produced by Ablenet) |
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VOCA (Voice Output Communication
Aid) is a voice output communication device for people who have difficulties
in oral communication, but want to communicate by voice. By using
VOCA, the users can communicate by electric voice even if they donユt
read or write. Speech communication can be easily understood and doesnユt
require special knowledge to understand. Receiving auditory feedback
helps the user to understand the message.
A lot of VOCA can be operated by selecting words with pressing one
or two switches, or touching keyboard directly. There are three types
of VOCA. One is speaking digitally prerecorded messages. Second one
is typing words by keyboard and speaking it. And third one is a combination
of those two types. VOCA is often used as a communication aid for
conveying messages and replying questions. But VOCA can be used in
play as well. Children will learn joy of using voice through various
play. |
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