A step-by-step guide to transform the ubiquitous slide show into an easy, cost effective dynamic display communication system for individuals with special needs.

1. PowerPointAn Alternative/Augmentative Communication System Amy Garrett ISHA Tech Conference September 18, 2009

2. PowerPoint for AAC Why use PowerPoint Emulates high end AAC devices Dynamic display Cost effective Customizable for individual needs Tech support readily available for a commonly used program Free Viewer for access on multiple computers Transfer images & recorded speech to ACC devices Other applications PowerPoint for AAC Introduce dynamic display Assess student skills Skill building Instruction Practice

3. Dynamic DisplayLine Grid Grid Created with Lines Blank Slide, white background Horizontal & vertical lines Graphic Copy/paste from Boardmaker Size to fit within grid space Text included with symbol Speech, Action Settings… Associated with each picture Link, Action Settings… Associated with selected pictures

4. Dynamic DisplayFunctions of Language Grid- Functions of Language Blank Slide, white background Horizontal & vertical lines Colored rectangle shapes layered Graphic Copy/paste from Boardmaker Size to fit within grid space Text included with symbol Speech, Action Settings… Associated with each picture Link, Action Settings… Associated with selected pictures

5. Dynamic Display3-D Buttons Array of Action Buttons Blank slide, black background Rows & columns of Action Buttons Graphic Insert picture Size to fit on button Layered on button Text entered on Action Buttons Speech, Action Settings… Associated with Action Button and picture Link, Action Settings… Associated with selected buttons and pictures

6. Dynamic DisplayTab Navigation Tab Navigation Grid created with lines Action Buttons (with text) added layered for tab navigation Graphic Copy/paste from Boardmaker Size to fit within grid space Text included with symbol Speech, Action Settings… Associated with symbol Link, Action Settings… Associated with Action Buttons

7. Visual ScenesTransparent Buttons Transparent Action Buttons Blank slide Background Picture Text Entered on Action Buttons Action Buttons Transparent, no line Speech, Action Settings… Associated with Action Buttons Link, Action Settings… Associated with selected Action Buttons

8. AAC vs. PowerPoint AAC Layout Based on objects Objects contain a single element Objects perform limited actions Different types of objects perform actions differently Objects can be layered Objects float Voice Recorded speech, from a sound editor or within PowerPoint Graphics Imported Layout Based on an array of cells,which arealso called buttons Cells contain multiple elements Cells perform multiple actions Cells are independent Cells are fixed Voice Text-to-speech, recorded speech Graphics Integrated symbol library Imported PowerPoint

9. PowerPoint Features for AAC Vocabulary is the Key to Successful AAC Interactive Offer a variety of functions of language Functional for user’s needs Enable user to influence his/her environment Clickable Objects Kiosk mode to point & click to a specific target Action Settings… Link slides for a dynamic display Play sound (recorded speech) for speech output Layout Action Buttons Pictures Text boxes Shapes

10. Getting Started User Considerations Determine communication needs Select vocabulary Develop a layout to facilitate user’s communication needs Number of cells Size of cells Graphics & text Navigation system PowerPoint Set-Up Sequence Gather & organize images Open a template or design a grid Save as… Set up show in kiosk mode Fill buttons that are consistent on each slide Duplicate slide Add graphic & text to all buttons Record, save & organize speech Set Action Settings Play sound (speech) and link slides

11. Clickable Objects Set up a PowerPoint Show with Clickable Objects Slide Show (menu bar) Set Up Show… Browsed at kiosk Clickable objects Action buttons Pictures Shapes Text boxes Text is highlighted & underlined

12. Mac 2008 Tools Where are the tools? Standard toolbar View/Toolbars Formatting Palette View/Toolbox or Standard toolbar icon

13. Fill a Line Grid Copy/Paste Picture & Text from Boardmaker Symbol & text paste onto the center of the slide Resize to fit in the grid space Text Included with Boardmaker symbol Use alternate names Action Settings… Play sound and/or hyperlink Associated with the picture Picture selected

14. Resize a Picture Formatting Palette Select the picture Size, Rotation, and Ordering Dialogue box Double click on the picture

15. Align Objects How to line-up objects Ordering Align Left, center, right, top, middle, bottom Distribute Horizontally, vertically Arrange Bring to front, send to back Grouping Group objects to move, resize, or rotate them as a unit Grouped objects do not play sounds Size, Rotation, and Ordering

16. Boardmaker Settings Link to PowerPoint To copy a Boardmaker symbol to another application Option-Click on the linked application button Browse, select PowerPoint application icon Add Symbol Names Click change symbol names icon Enter text (word, phrase or sentence) Click Add Name Click OK

17. Action Settings Mouse click Action initiated by a click Hyperlink to Select Slide… from the drop down menu Choose slide by its number, title and graphic Play sound Select Other Sound… from the drop down menu Browse the computer to locate and select a sound Highlight click optional Where are Action Settings? Menu bar/Slide Show or Right click on the object

18. Fill an Action Button Template Insert Picture (from file or clipart) Inserts onto the center of slide Crop to fit the button shape Resize to fit the button size Text Edit text on button Action Settings…. Play sound and/or hyperlink Associate with the picture and Associate with the Action Button Action button selected Picture selected

19. Create a Visual SceneBackground Picture Add a Background Picture New presentation Slide layout, blank slide Add a background picture Menu bar-Format/Slide Background Formatting Palette-Slide Background Select Fill in left-hand column Select the Picture tab Choose a Picture Browse computer to locate and select a background picture Click Apply

20. Create a Visual SceneTransparent Action Buttons Add Action Buttons Menu bar-Slide Show/Action Buttons/Custom Draw with the crosshair cursor Cancel the Action Settings Make the Button Transparent Colors, Weights, and Fills Fill Transparency 100% No Line Choose no line from the Color drop down menu No Shadow

21. Create a Visual SceneTransparent Action Buttons Text, optional Font settings Color Size Alignment & Spacing Wrap text Shrink to fit Enter on the Action Buttons Action Settings…. Play sound and/or hyperlink Associate with the Action Button

22. Why Record Speech Use a Digital Sound Editor Improved speech quality Consistent volume between recorded speech and computer generated sounds Messages start and stop immediately Easier to organize and locate files Use messages in multiple applications Audacity® Free, open source software for recording and editing sounds Mac OS X Microsoft Windows GNU/Linux other operating systems Multilingual Save in variety of sound formats http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

23. Record Speech Record Message File/New Click the round red record button Record Click the square yellow stop button Highlight the message Save Message File/Export Selection as WAV Name.wav Save in folder Record Stop Play Selection Highlighted

24. Create a Template Tips New presentation Slide layout/blank slide Save as… Objects Draw one shape Line or Action Button Set parameters Color, size, weight (thickness), 3-D effects Copy, paste the object multiple times Use formatting tools to Align edges Distribute horizontally Distribute vertically Insert Duplicate Slide(s)

25. Use PowerPoint to Communicate Environment Enable the user to make eye contact with the conversational partner(s) Provide computer speakers that produce clear speech User Access Provide alternative computer access, if needed, so the user can focus on communication rather than motor skills Update Vocabulary Change or add vocabulary frequently to maintain user and partner interest in conversing

26. Mouse Alternatives Joystick & Trackball Speed settings for for disabled Accessible mouse buttons Headpointing Click or dwell on target MouseKeys System accessibility feature Mac System preferences Universal access Win Control panel Accessibility Kid track N-ABLER joystick smartNAV

27. Touch Input Touch input Options & controls Finger and/or stylus Touch enter/exit Acceptance time Touch monitor Stability Add-on touch screen Secure attachment Fit monitor size & shape Refraction Magic Touch Screen Planar

28. Touch Input Interactive Whiteboard SmartBoard Check accessibly for all students Tablet Computer Options & controls Finger and/or stylus Touch enter/exit Acceptance time Brite Computers HP Compaq

29. Hand Held Devices Smart Phone Office Mobile PowerPoint Mobile Full screen view Functions vary by phone & version of Windows Mobile operating system Considerations Touch input Speakers

30. Resources Carson, Eric; Kennedy, M. From evaluation to innovation: How to emulate dynamic display using PowerPoint. Closing The Gap, February/March 2006, Vol. 24 No. 6. http://www.closingthegap.com/solutions/articles Garrett, Amy,powerpointaac. ISHA Technology Conference September 18,2009. http://powerpointaac.pbworks.com/ Luther, Jim; Adapted Computer Access Materials for Windows. http://www22.brinkster.com/jimluther/access.htm