MARSHALL -— Two Turkey Run Elementary students have a new way to communicate to others thanks to a donation from the Marshall Federated Church.
Caleb Myers and Dakota Worden received an iPad mini that has an app that allows the student to communicate with family members, fellow students and others. The app, which is LAMP Words for Life, contains pictures that the students push to create words and sentences. The words are then announced allowing the student to communicate their needs and wants. The communication process is similar to texting on a phone. The students learn where the symbols are on the screen and this allows them to communicate quickly through motor planning.
“These devices are life-changing for these students,” said Alyssa Gideon, North Central Parke Speech-language Pathologist. “The device allows them to find ‘their voice’ by allowing them to express their daily needs and wants.”
By using the app, students are able to ask questions, respond to a question, show emotions and share ideas. The device also allows them to read and to express themselves.
The students are able to take the devices home with them so they are used for communication outside of school also. The speech department has been using communication devices while the students are at school. Now, the students will be able to communicate outside of school hours.
The church elders learned of the need for the devices and made the donation using the Joint Committee’s mission money.
