AMANDA HYNAN FINAL THESIS PDF

4.7. Access technology
This is a huge area and it is beyond the scope of this research project to explore in
detail but the participants and their communication partners discussed some of the
aspects relating to access technology in terms of support and challenges. Participants’
descriptions of how they accessed technology revealed the impact it had on choice of
equipment and activities.
4.7.1. Computer access without additional equipment
Direct access means people can control equipment without an additional
switch/scanning device and this means they often reported using computers and
VOCAs independently of each other as explained by Keith, Mary and Ben,
Keith: “I don’t need that one”
Specialist Teacher Assistant (STA): no, you don’t need it. That might be quite
important actually that um with this one (pointing to an integrated VOCA) we
could have got him using social networks and things but there was no need
because he can use a stand alone
Keith: “this typewriter” (his term for his VOCA)
STA: typewriter
Keith: “I can use this typewriter”
STA: Yeah and you can access a computer can’t you
Keith: yeah
Amanda: you don’t use the internet on here (pointing to integrated VOCA)
even though you can use the internet on here
Mary: yup [cross talk]
Amanda: [cross talk] you don’t use it on here. Why is that?
Mary: “because think is my talker”
Amanda: Oh, because you think it is your talker
Mary: ‘yes’ (nods head)
Amanda: Right and so you wouldn’t want to mix using it for the internet
Mary: yeah [cross talk]
Amanda: so [cross talk] this is your talker and this is the internet (gesturing
two separate things)
Mary: yeah
Amanda: would you like to tell me about how you use technology in your life?
Ben: “I have my computer which I use it for work and Facebook”
Amanda: Okay and is your computer at home?
Ben: “Yes”
Amanda: And do you have access to the internet on your communication aid?
Ben: “No”
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