Communication Device for Non-Verbal Autistic People - Integrated Writing and Audio Prototype

Outline

Introduction to the Theme and Objectives of the Session
Content: The session will begin with an introduction to the communication project for non-verbal autistic people, highlighting the use of technologies such as Arduino, Tinkercad and Fritzing. The concept of computational thinking will be explained and how it was applied in the automation and programming of the prototype.
Engagement: Participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own experiences with technology and inclusion, and will be invited to share ideas on how technology can be used to solve real-world problems.

Student Presentation of the Prototype
Content: Students will present the prototype developed, detailing the cyclical design process. They will explain how refinements were made over time to increase efficiency, usability and accessibility, resulting in the final design of the interactive box with LCD panel and audio output.
Engagement: Participants will be able to interact directly with the prototype, asking questions about the development of the design and the choices made during the process.

Discussion of Computational Thinking and the Cyclical Design Process
Content: A detailed explanation of how computational thinking was applied to program and automate the prototype will be provided. The cyclical design process will also be covered, with concrete examples of how students tested, adjusted, and refined the prototype to achieve the desired results.
Engagement: Participants will discuss in small groups how they can apply computational thinking and the cyclical design process in their own educational or professional contexts.

Exploring the PECS Methodology and Collaborating with Professionals in the Field
Content: The prototype will be developed based on the PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) methodology, highlighting the importance of choosing images with adequate contrast and consulting professionals in the field, such as psychopedagogues and occupational therapists, to ensure that technological solutions meet the needs of users.
Engagement: Participants will be able to discuss how interdisciplinary collaboration with professionals from other areas can be integrated into their own projects, favoring more effective solutions aligned with reality.

Debate on the Importance of Interdisciplinary Contact and the Role of the Teacher
Content: The session will highlight how the interdisciplinary contact favored by the teacher was essential for the development of the prototype, bringing benefits both to the technical knowledge of the students and to the creation of solutions more connected to reality. The role of the teacher in facilitating these interactions and promoting a collaborative and practical learning environment will be discussed.
Engagement: The audience will be invited to reflect and discuss how the role of the teacher can be expanded to encourage collaboration between students and professionals from different areas.

Final Reflection and Closing
Content: The session will conclude with a summary of the main points discussed, emphasizing how technological integration, innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration can be used to address educational and social challenges. A reflection will be made on the importance of developing accessible and inclusive technological solutions that respond to the needs of society.

The estimated presentation time is 15 to 20 minutes.

Supporting research

ALMEIDA, Maria Amélia. Adaptações do sistema
de comunicação por troca de figuras no
contexto escolar. Scielo 2005. Disponível
em:
https://www.scielo.br/j/pfono/a/6RdHjMLy4fc
RY4QR8KhGXwr/ Acesso em: 26 de Abril de
2023.
FROST, L. A.; BONDY, A. S. El sistema de
comunicacion por intercâmbio de figuras.
Manual de entrenamiento. Lima, Peru:
PECS Spanish Edition, 1996.
JOHNSON, R. M. The picture communications
symbols. Stillwater, Minessota:
Mayer-Johnson, 1980.
MORAL, Adriana. Entendendo o autismo. Cartilha
do Autismo 2° ed. USP PCRU 2017.
Disponível em:
https://www.iag.usp.br/~eder/autismo/Cartilha
-Autismo-final.pdf Acesso em: 27 de Abril de
2023.
SANTOS, Fábio Junio da Silva. TRANSTORNO
DO ESPECTRO AUTISTA (TEA)
DESAFIOS DA INCLUSÃO. Coleção ensaio
sobre acessibilidade 2020. Disponível em:
https://saocamilo-sp.br/_app/views/publicacoe
s/outraspublicacoes/nape_volume_02_13abr_F
INAL.pdf Acesso em: 23 de Abril de 2023