Voice activated controls, such as Amazon Echo and Google Home, are growing in popularity in people’s home, schools and community settings. From requesting music, the weather, date and time, searching the web, to do lists, telling a joke, turning on lights or fans- these are just some of the examples of how individuals are using their devices. These devices can be considered for students with expressive verbal language, that may have a vision impairment and/or motor challenges. Please discuss with your student’s therapists or contact your Inclusion Outreach case manager.
Further skills can be supported in schools through Alexa “skills” or add-ons that are free to download through Amazon.com. Check out this link that summarizes how to obtain Alexa “skills” that can support students to develop executive functioning, note taking, relaxation/regulation and listening comprehension practice: https://www.theottoolbox.com/2017/04/alexa-skills-for-therapy.html?fbclid=IwAR1M7Zc3XputKXhaMrP_D_4CDKgn-zGLU9dNSXny1DfiUqZiVY2_J4aG8MY