Assistive tool 1

                                                                      Proloquo2Go

                                               

                                                                  Reflection 

Communication is an integral human right, however millions of individuals in the world cannot speak due to conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, or traumatic brain injuries. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies help individuals to express themselves. Among these tools, Proloquo2Go is a widely used software based alternative communication tool. It is a symbol based augmentative and alternative communication designed for IOS devices. It was developed by Assistive ware, a company based in Netherlands and offers a customizable vocabulary grid that help users to construct sentences using images, text or synthesized speech. The development of Proloquo2Go was led by David Niemeijer. The app was officially released on April 21, 2009. The app supports multiple languages, and it includes features like word prediction, voice customization and offline functionality. Proloquo2Go is helpful because it allows families and teachers to add their own photos or words. For example, if a child loves dog, parents can add picture of dog to the app. This flexibility makes it easier for the users. This app helps non-speaking people to learn words and form sentences. Instead of memorizing the words, users learn to combine them to express ideas. 

It also helps to build confidence as being able to communicate reduce frustration. Proloquo2Go gives users a voice, helping them to communicate at school, home or public places. It runs on an iPad and makes it less embarrassing for users especially those kids who wants to fit with peers. The touchscreen is easy for most people to use. Most of the researchers has claimed that tools like Proloquo2Go makes a big difference. Light (1997) stated that, " people who use such apps feel happier and more connected to others." Proloquo2Go is the right choice as in schools it works best with trained staff and resources. For example, a school with a speech therapist will help a child to use the app and for adults who lose their speech can also use the app to stay connect with friends and family. Proloquo2Go support both social and academic learning. Children who are using this app can participate in classroom discussions and will boost their confidence. When students are able to express themselves, they engage in lessons and interact with peers. 

I think that this will help to create a more equal and inclusive classroom environment. When students are given the opportunity to communicate, it reduces the stigma and increases empathy. There are also challenges using Proloquo2Go as all teachers are not trained to use the app effectively. It will take time to practice and  need to learn how to use the app and also teach the child to use it and how to include it in the lessons. Teachers need full support, and they need confident to use such tool in the classroom. I believe that professional training should be given to the teachers. When teachers are able to understand how to use assistive technology like proloquo2Go they will integrate meaningfully. However, according to Beukelman & Mirenda ( 2013), " successful augmentative and alternative implementation depends on the support of the educators and family members." Another challenge is while using the app, if it is not handled well, the child may feel left out. Therefore it is very important to create a classroom where all forms of communication are respected and valued. There are many success story which are truly inspiring and motivating. The article name " The greatest gift: Niveryah's story", in this Niveyah is able to communicate in class, make new friends and do her homework. This is truly motivating and reminded the importance of inclusive education. As I am passionate about education , I feel hopeful when I see how technology is helping people to change lives. 

Tools like Proloquo2Go are not  only a devices but they help to build connection and inclusivity in learning. After learning and exploring about Proloquo2Go, it has changed my thinking about inclusive education. I am now able to understand that all children no matter their abilities, every child has the right to learn and speak in their own way.  Our country has made a strong efforts towards inclusive education. However, many SEN schools in our country are lacking the assistive tools. I think using tool like Proloquo2Go will help Bhutanese children to have opportunity to express themselves and take part in lessons like a normal child. Proloquo2Go will be very important for Bhutan because it will support the Bhutan's philosophy of Gross National Happiness by creating equality and inclusivity. Giving students with disabilities a chance to communicate and to fill a gap by giving students voice through pictures and speech. From my perspective, I think that to bring Proloquo2Go into Bhutanese classrooms, we need proper planning. First, we need to start with few SEN schools by providing iPad and training to test how well the app works. Their is also a need to organize trainings and workshops to use Proloquo2Go and integrate in teaching. We need to work with linguistic developer to add Dzongkha alphabet and symbols. 

Teaching parents and classmates about how to support children who use AAC ( Alternative and Augmentative Communication) devices will help to reduce stigma. Therefore Prloquo2Go is a powerful communication tool that will help inclusive education in Bhutan. It will help the children especially with speech difficulties learn, play and connect with other. There are some challenges, however with proper planning and support, it can be solved. Every child has right to communicate and with the help of this tool we can make it happen.