suhtlusplaate

Suhtlusplaate, often translated as communication boards or switch scanning boards, are assistive devices designed to aid individuals with communication impairments. These boards are typically physical or digital surfaces displaying a grid of symbols, pictures, words, or phrases. The user selects a desired item to form a message.

The selection process on a suhtlusplaat can vary. In simpler versions, a communication partner might point to items sequentially, and the user indicates their choice through a pre-arranged signal, such as a blink or head movement. More advanced systems utilize eye-gaze technology or switches that the user activates to stop a scanning cursor on the desired symbol. The complexity of the symbols and the vocabulary available on the board can be tailored to the individual's cognitive and linguistic abilities.

Suhtlusplaate are used by people with a wide range of conditions, including severe speech and motor impairments resulting from conditions like cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke, or traumatic brain injury. They serve as a vital tool for expressing needs, desires, thoughts, and emotions, thereby enhancing social interaction and participation in daily life. The effectiveness of a suhtlusplaat relies on proper assessment and customization by speech-language pathologists or other assistive technology professionals to ensure it meets the specific communication needs of the user.