August 12, 2008
Try This Tuesday #4: Bluetooth Prompting
Today I want to share an idea that I think is very exciting and may be helpful at some point in the future with my son (although I think he's a bit young for it right now!)
During the autism conference I recently attended, one of the lectures was on the topic of Applied Research. Dr. Peter Gerhardt from the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) talked about how they are working on taking research and translating it into practice, especially with adolescents and adults on the spectrum.
One of the creative techniques he shared was the use of Bluetooth technology to reduce the stigma of verbal prompting. By using this device, the person doing the prompting was able to move farther and farther away from the student and develop more independence while still having access to the prompts.
In the video he showed of a practice situation, the prompter was actually able to wait outside a drugstore while the student went in and made his purchases. A secondary benefit they discovered was that people largely ignored any random vocalizations the student made, assuming he was just "on the phone."
Please join in and share the creative solutions you have found to your own challenges. For more details on how to participate, click here.
Photo by William Hook
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9 Comments on Try This Tuesday #4: Bluetooth Prompting »
#1 - kari @ 8:08 am
I have a friend whose child has Down Syndrome and Autism. He uses some sort of device to communicate with. I haven't seen it yet but sounds like it sure has changed their life. She told me he comes home from school and actually tells her how his day was for the first time ever. He is 18 years old. Incredible! 18 years of taking other peoples word and finally he can tell her himself.
#2 - Burrito Reader/Try This Tuesday « i think i can, i think i can…. @ 8:12 am
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#3 - Jenny @ 10:10 am
Trish - That does sound fascinating! How creative and what a way to give a child a sense of independence. Thanks for sharing!
#4 - Melody @ 10:21 am
Trish, thank you for this tip. I certainly would not have thought of this on my on, and it would be a wonderful method to use with all three of my younger sons.
P.S. I might not make a TTT tip post today, but this is in line for sharing and linking this post on my blog. I think this is a great idea.
#5 - Frog's Mom @ 10:50 am
What an great idea. This is sure to boost cofidence and improve the "inclusion" experience for many kids. I know a few parents I'm going to pass this idea on to. Thanks Trish!
#6 - Trish @ 2:42 pm
Glad you liked it. I have been walking around the house now paying attention to all the technology we use to see what other uses I could find for it!
#7 - danette @ 7:30 pm
That is a great idea, I wouldn't have thought of that. I haven't had a chance to blog in the last couple of days so didn't get to participate today but looking forward to reading the other ideas :).
#8 - PsychMamma @ 8:03 pm
Hmmm. Weird. I posted a comment this morning, but it's not here. Of course, it WAS BC (Before Coffee) so who knows if I actually hit "submit." ANYWAY, I did my Master's research on Autism and there was a girl in my lab who was doing her research on using technology like this in the way you describe. I think it's so great that there are people thinking of ways to implement the fantastic tech stuff out there now to help those with disabilities.
A terrific side benefit is that the kids look "cool" when they're using something techie. Can't beat that!
#9 - Tammy and Parker @ 1:51 pm
Too cool!