Communication Correction Plan

Mark Page (LHS)Andrew Osborne (AHS)Jasmine Gandhi (CHS)

March 31, 2009

Our Client, Mr. A

Statement of Need: Our client needs to overcome visual-audio barriers Mr. A is seven years old and autistic Comfortable seeing a structured schedule

Teachers and parents agree thathe has trouble forming words.

Mr. A’s parents wants to learn concept of time, if at all possible. He would appreciate the “jump start,” but keep main focus is on speech development and correction.

Constraints and Requirements

Safety Cost: cap of $150 Well put together and attractive Simple to understand and operate Improve audio visual communication skills Durable Effective Size Efficient power source Portable

Items already on the market

Option #1. Activity Clock

Activity was designed to adhere to Mr. A’s parents’ request for a way to incorporate time concepts

By cutting out a square from the bottom of the clock we can add in a rotating activity wheel, that changes Mr. A’s task according to the time.

This will help with his need for a structured schedule and will hopefully demolish the visual audio barrier he has.

12

87

1

2

4

56

3

11

10

9P.M.

Additional Information

Pros (+) SafeEliminates visual-audio barrier Includes a way for Mr. A to learn about time conceptsSmall, portable sizeAttractive to look at with the rotating pictures, lights and soundAdheres to everyday useRuns on batteries—easy replacement

Cons (-)*Does not focus on speech correctionMr. A loves electronic hand-held devices—if this is not something he likes, he will not use it.

PARTS LIST•Clock•Rotating wheel with graphic, detailed and eye-catching pictures…maybe with the laser cutter•Sound circuits•Sensors to recognize hour change•LED lights•Two separate switches: One to change the center picture and one to switch between A.M. and P.M. signs

Estimated Cost:Between ($65-$85)

Option #2. Matching Mania

1 2

3 4

5 6

PARTS LIST

•Piece of board to mount on

•Six lights to light pictures•Arcade buttons •Speakers•Circuit to randomize lights•Plastic sleeves for both pictures and answer choices.

Estimated Cost:Between ($65-$85)

Help with picture recognition Match picture to word choice Use interactive sounds to

determine choices

Choice 1

Choice 2

Choice 4

Choice 3

Choice 5

Choice 6

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages SafeHelps the client to associate different objects with a word to identify them. Uses sounds to encourage the client to choose correctly.Attractive interface Draws the clients attention by the large pictures that dominate the product.

DisadvantagesNot portableDoes not utilize sound to work on the audio aspects of our clients disability.Would require a lot of wiring in order to hook up all the components.Does not deal with concepts of time

Option #3. The Speak Easy

• This device will help with communication skills

• The device will be built out of a briefcase with buttons on the exterior

• Each button will correspond to a different word or activity and will be accompanied by pictures

• When pushed the device will pronounce the word or activity

• The messages will be able to be re-recorded and the pictures will be interchangeable

Parts List

6-8 ISD1110 voice recording chips ($5.95e) 1-2 small speaker(s) 1 (or six?) electret microphone $.50-1.00 each Other circuitry parts 1 briefcase (used if possible Mr. Rhine said had one) 6-8 pinball buttons Recording switches

(Estimated cost=$70-$90)

Speak Easy: Pros & cons

Pros• Portable• Circuitry can be built inside• Safe• Will fix the lack of visual-

audio• Cost falls within range• Will look AWESOME

Cons• May be difficult to built• Some parts may be tough to get• Does not include time concepts

Update Sensors

If record button held

Record message

If play pushed

If turned off

END

Play message

NO

Yes

NO

yes

yes

no

Start

Our Solution

Using the Speak-Easy Briefcase Ideal to help our client with his

communication skills He will be able to perfect the audio-visual

concepts Will be able to use at school and/or home Voice circuits already built and are cheap Easy to use/ construct New pre-made voice circuits will get rid of the

difficulty of designing our own voice circuits

Parts List/ Our circuits

Only changes from the original Speak-Easy• Using 6-8 A96010 voice recording circuits

($6.60 ea.)• No microphones (included in A96010)• Estimated cost (not including briefcase)= $90

max

Our electronics• Mixer circuit for speaker output• Possible mixer circuit for microphone input

Thank you for your attention!

Q+A