CHENNAI: Imagine a classroom in a government school, wherein the teacher poses a question. More often than not, special children with developmental disability are not among the respondents. Impaired by speech or hearing issues, they are unable to express themselves. But what if there was a way to overcome that?
The Commissionerate of the Welfare of the Differently Abled will soon begin distributing special devices to all districts in the State, that would facilitate communication through pictures and speech synthesis.
In Tamil Nadu, as of December 2016, there are 35,517 persons with cerebral palsy (CP) and 4,031 persons with autism registered with the State government. Persons under these two categories are those who officials hope to help through such devices.
Both CP and autism fall under the umbrella category of developmental disability (neurological disorder). Unlike autism, CP is largely characterised by loss or impairment of motor functions. However, a significant problem with both conditions is they render affected persons non-verbal.
Speaking to Express, a senior official at the Commissionerate said: “The device is an Apple iPad, which will be loaded with Avaz, a software developed by IIT Madras alumni Ajit Narayanan.” The market rate of each such device is `25,000.
Sentences can be constructed by users in multiple ways, the official explained. “The application offers a series of pictures, which may be selected to express one’s thoughts. Alternatively, a combination of picture selection and typing of small words through the on-screen keyboard can be used.” For those who have lesser motor control, the ‘scanning’ option allows a person to press anywhere, which will present them with narrowed-down options till the right one is reached.
Under the first phase of the project, to be implemented in June, the Commissionerate has already procured 197 iPads with CSR funds raised from public sector companies. Officials say they have identified the beneficiaries, which will include government-aided special schools, early intervention centres and mobile therapy units in all districts.
Subsequently, the scheme will be expanded into the second phase, for which the State government has allocated `1.06 crore. Nearly 400 iPads will be purchased in that phase.
Special educators and therapists are also being trained to help children with the device. “There will be a training workshop where close to 130 persons will be trained and exposed to the device,” the official added.
What is it?
Apple iPad (8 inches); Price: D25,000 (with Avaz)
The device utilises Avaz software, developed by IIT Alumni Ajit Narayanan, which applies picture symbols and high-quality voice synthesis to help users create messages and develop language skills.
Distribution
Phase 1: 197 free due to funds raised from public sector companies (CSR)
Phase 2: 397 free due to D1.06 crore sanctioned by the State government