Dino's Story
Dino is a 10 year old grade 4 student. He uses a computer from SET-BC, which he accesses using Discover Switch. The school team programs his current language arts activities on the computer. Unable to click with a mouse, Dino uses scanning as an access method. In scanning, each on-screen selection is highlighted in order. He waits, and activates the switch to select his word choices as they are highlighted. For example, if Dino is creating a sentence, all parts of the sentence are programmed into Discover, and appear on his computer screen as a scanning array. Clicking on his choices in order, Dino writes his sentence. |
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Dino's tone increases the more he works to physically activate a switch. We had difficulties with switch placement, because the more Dino tried to press it, the further away the switch had to be placed from his hand, foot, etc. since he stretched out more with each activation. This was not practical, as we all wanted Dino to be as independent as possible. We began to use the Voice Activated (Enabling Devices) switch. Instead of physically pressing this switch with his hand or foot, Dino activates it by making a sound. He worked out the most efficient and reliable sound for him; a "click" sound. |
| Sometimes Dino uses other software designed to be activated by a single switch. We are exploring ways that Dino can do math with a switch and scanning array.
Last year Dino got the opportunity to watch the Canucks in practice. He then wrote them a letter using Discover. The reply letter and photographs from the Canucks were a big hit! |
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Dino's Message - I like my computer. I can "click" to do writing. I like to read Captain Underpants and Cam Jansen books. Cam clicks to remember things and then solves mysteries! There are lots of policemen in Cam Jansen books, and I like policemen. My sisters Maria and Julianna help me read at home. In my spare time at home I play hockey on my PlayStation with my sisters. I also like to play with my cat, Toby. The Canucks are cool! Last year I saw them practise, and got my picture taken with the Sedin twins. Bertuzzi drives a cool truck. I wrote the Canucks a letter on my computer, and they wrote back and sent me a Canucks sticker and two hockey cards. Cha-cha-cha! |
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