Using VS (Viking) Communicator Pro for computer control and communication
Jane Farrall
A case study
Tom is a young man currently attending a TAFE, completing courses in computer aided drafting. Tom also has athetoid cerebral palsy and needs to be able to use a computer for a whole range of functions to enable him to participate educationally and socially at TAFE as well as in the wider community. Tom has been using VS (Viking) Communicator Pro to complete his computer aided drafting using the on-screen keyboard features to give him control of his whole computer and any piece of software required to complete his courses. In addition, he has been using it as his speech generating device to ask questions, answer questions and give presentations. He has also been taking advantage of the email features of Viking and is currently in the process of investigating the ECU and text messaging capabilities of this software which allows him to control a GEWA Prog and a Nokia mobile phone. This presentation will demonstrate how VS Communicator Pro has enabled him to connect with fellow students as well as the wider community in a way no other tool ever has. The pitfalls he has faced and continues to face will also be discussed.