First Steps

Better Speech, Hearing, Technology and Treatment

Nearly 100 years ago, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) designated May as Better Speech and Hearing Month, which is fortunate because awareness of speech and hearing impairment didn’t always include the most sophisticated approaches to assistance. From gargling with a mouthful of pebbles and employing electroshock therapy to olive oil injections in the ears and […]

access controller for PS5

Access Controller for PS5

In the past, I’ve written about different controllers available for the Xbox or Nintendo Switch.  Now there’s a brand new Access Controller available for the PS5 console! The PS5 Access Controller is an “all-new, highly-customizable accessibility controller kit designed to help many players with disabilities play games more easily, more comfortably, and for longer periods.” […]

quester joystick for pc gaming

Quester Joystick

In the past, we’ve written about different controllers for Nintendo Switch and Xbox.  If you’re looking for an option for PC gaming, check out the Quester Joystick. The Quester Joystick is a compact, desktop joystick specifically designed for PC gaming where WASD and arrow key navigation are used.  It operates in the following three modes: […]

cosmo switches with ipad

Cosmo Switch Bundles

Cosmo is an award-winning, interactive therapy and inclusive training system designed to help train motor skills, turn-taking, communication, and more.  Cosmo Bundles are made of two parts: a set of light-up, multi-color Bluetooth switches, and an iPad app featuring intuitive activities designed by teachers and occupational, physical, and speech & language therapists.     With its […]

lingopen by scanning pens

LingoPen

Learning different languages can be challenging.  Fortunately, there are products, such as LingoPen, available to assist in this task.  LingoPen is specially designed for students learning a new language, as well as students with English as an Additional Language (EAL). With LingoPen, users can become “fluent and independent readers in the language of your choice.”  […]

c-pen reader 2 laying on desk

C-Pen Reader 2

I wrote about the original C-Pen Reader several years ago.  Now there is a new and improved version: C-Pen Reader 2!  C-Pen Reader 2 is the next generation of assistive reading tools designed to put even more control into the user’s hands.   Here’s more from the developer’s website: “Literacy is powerful and unlocks a world […]