Choosing the right approach – Where to start?

After discussing my topic and thinking about what the first prototype could look like, I have decided to narrow down my approach. The goal is to create a simple learning experience from start to finish, that could be tested in a real life situation.

First step was to discover the struggles that children with cognitive disabilities face in traditional learning environments. After that, I looked into different curriculums for the first 3 grades of elementary school, as that would be the demographic that I want to address for the start. While doing my research, I came across an interesting observation. Children with cognitive disabilities, more specifically ASD, often struggle with subjects like math, but when approached carefully by their teachers, with special care and focus on the subject, they thrive and become very good.

Looking into existing solutions for interactive math learning platforms, I’ve realizes that there is a lot of online learning platforms that offer interactive and engaging experiences. Platforms like Starfall and CTC Math are popular choices among educators and parents for enhancing math learning. However, when it comes to catering to children with cognitive disabilities, there is room for improvement.

1. Starfall: A Playful Approach to Learning

Strengths

Engaging Content – Starfall is renowned for its engaging and visually appealing content that captures the interest of young learners. Its use of animations, songs, and interactive activities makes learning fun and helps to keep students engaged for longer periods.

Foundational Skills Focus – The platform emphasizes foundational math skills, such as counting, addition, and subtraction, which are crucial for young learners and serve as the building blocks for more complex math concepts. This is particularly beneficial for students who need to strengthen their basic math skills.

Accessibility – Starfall offers a user-friendly interface with simple navigation, making it accessible for young children and those with limited digital literacy.

Limitations for Students with Cognitive Disabilities

Lack of Personalized Learning Paths – While Starfall provides a range of activities, it lacks the ability to create personalized learning paths that adapt to the individual needs and progress of each student. Children with cognitive disabilities often benefit from tailored instruction that meets their specific learning requirements.

Limited Support for Higher-Order Skills – The platform’s focus on basic skills means it does not adequately support the development of higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for more advanced math learning. This can limit its usefulness as students progress to higher grade levels.

Minimal Sensory Accommodations – Starfall does not offer significant sensory accommodations such as adjustable audio levels, customizable visual settings, or alternative input methods that could benefit students with sensory processing disorders or other cognitive disabilities.

2. CTC Math: Comprehensive Learning with Room for Growth

Strengths

Comprehensive Curriculum – CTC Math offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of math topics from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus. This breadth ensures that students can progress through the curriculum at their own pace and access material appropriate for their grade level and ability.

Interactive Lessons – The platform features interactive lessons with step-by-step video tutorials, which can be particularly helpful for visual and auditory learners. This format allows students to revisit and review lessons as needed, reinforcing their understanding of key concepts.

Assessment Tools – CTC Math provides extensive assessment tools, including quizzes and tests that allow educators to monitor student progress and identify areas where additional support is needed. This feature is useful for tracking the development of students with cognitive disabilities and tailoring instruction to their needs.

Limitations for Students with Cognitive Disabilities

Limited Customization – Despite its comprehensive curriculum, CTC Math does not offer significant customization options to adapt lessons to the unique learning needs of students with cognitive disabilities. Personalized learning experiences that cater to individual strengths and challenges are essential for these students.

Complex Interface – The platform’s interface can be overwhelming for students with cognitive disabilities, who may struggle with navigation and the multitude of features available. Simplifying the user interface and providing clear, intuitive navigation could improve accessibility for these students.

Insufficient Sensory Support – CTC Math lacks features that address the sensory needs of students with cognitive disabilities, such as adjustable contrast, text-to-speech capabilities, or interactive elements that cater to sensory preferences. Incorporating these features could significantly enhance the learning experience for these students.

3. Improving Math Learning Platforms for Everyday Classroom Use

Enhancing Personalization

One of the primary ways to improve math learning platforms for students with cognitive disabilities is through enhanced personalization. Adaptive learning technologies that tailor content to the individual needs, pace, and learning style of each student can provide more effective and inclusive educational experiences. Incorporating algorithms that adjust the difficulty of tasks and offer personalized feedback can help ensure that each student receives the appropriate level of challenge and support.

Simplifying User Interfaces

A common barrier to accessibility in existing math learning platforms is complex user interfaces. Simplifying these interfaces by reducing clutter, using clear and consistent navigation elements, and providing visual cues can make the platforms more user-friendly for students with cognitive disabilities. Features such as larger buttons, minimalistic design, and straightforward instructions can help these students navigate the platform more independently.

Incorporating Sensory Accommodations

To better serve students with sensory processing issues, math learning platforms should incorporate a variety of sensory accommodations. Options like adjustable audio settings, customizable visual themes, and the ability to use tactile or kinesthetic inputs can create a more inclusive learning environment. Additionally, providing alternative input methods, such as speech recognition or switch access, can make the platforms more accessible to students with a range of physical and cognitive disabilities.

Providing Real-Time Feedback and Support

Platforms should include features that offer real-time feedback and support to help students understand their progress and areas for improvement. Interactive elements that provide instant feedback on tasks and offer hints or explanations for incorrect answers can facilitate learning and prevent frustration. Incorporating a help feature that allows students to ask questions or seek assistance can also be beneficial, particularly for those who may struggle with certain concepts.

Encouraging Collaboration and Social Interaction

Math learning platforms can benefit from incorporating features that encourage collaboration and social interaction among students. Tools such as shared problem-solving activities, collaborative projects, and discussion forums can help students develop important social skills and learn from their peers. For students with cognitive disabilities, these features can provide valuable opportunities for social engagement and support.

References:

Starfall. (2024). https://www.starfall.com/h/index-grades123.php

CTC Math. (2024). https://www.ctcmath.com/

https://www.adinaaba.com/post/teaching-math-to-students-with-autism

https://autism.org

The Power of Visual Aids in Enhancing Learning in Schools

Like I mentioned in my previous blog post, visual aids can be a very powerful and important tool in helping children with cognitive disabilities to overcome struggles in school and every-day life. In this blog post I will explore different types of visual aids and their benefits.

Visual aids encompass a wide range of tools including visual schedules, picture cards, emotion charts, and other non-verbal communication methods. These tools help children understand their daily activities, transitions, and expectations, thereby reducing anxiety and resistance. Visual schedules, for example, can include illustrations, photographs, words, or videos outlining a series of tasks or events.

Visual aids are particularly beneficial for autistic children, who often process information better visually than verbally. These aids help in reducing stress associated with unplanned changes and enhance their ability to communicate and interact with their surroundings.

Benefits of Visual Aids for Children:

Routine and Predictability – Visual aids help children establish and follow routines, reducing anxiety associated with unpredictability. A well-structured schedule showing tasks such as waking up, brushing teeth, and packing a school bag can give children a sense of control and stability.

Smooth Transitions – Knowing what comes next helps children transition more easily between activities. This is particularly beneficial in a classroom setting where transitions occur frequently.

Enhanced Independence – Visual aids can empower children by giving them the tools to understand and manage their tasks independently. This fosters a sense of responsibility and self-reliance.

Reduced Negotiations – With a visual schedule in place, children can see what is expected of them, reducing the need for verbal negotiations and repeated instructions.

Improved Communication – For non-verbal children or those who struggle with verbal communication, tools like the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) provide a way to express needs and preferences effectively.

References:

https://littlefeettherapy.com/why-are-visual-schedules-helpful-for-children

https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/benefits-of-autism-visual-supports

https://theeducationhub.org.nz/supporting-autistic-children-using-a-visual-scheduling-tool

Challenges of traditional learning environments

To better understand how to approach my idea next, I wanted to look closer into what challenges children with cognitive disabilities face and which methods could be used to create a more inclusive and supportive environment.

When asked which struggles they encountered while in school, people with autism and ADHD gave some of the most common challenges:

  • Difficulty with Social Interaction – Struggling to understand social cues and engage in typical social interactions, as well as working in groups and speaking in front of people
  • Difficulty Processing Information – Finding it hard to focus on tasks, getting easily distracted and needing time to process new information
  • Communication Difficulties – Being misunderstood, seen as rude when using blunt language which often leads to feeling overwhelmed and anxious
  • Sensory Challenges – Sensory overwhelm from loud noises, lights and bigger crowds
  • Rules, Routines, and Expectations – Often not understanding instructions or expectations, as well as having trouble understanding inconsistent rules and changing routines

There are many ways in which these issues can be addresses. After doing some research I found a couple of suggestions that could help children with cognitive disabilities, while also keeping the learning environment motivating for all other children:

  • Using Concrete Language and Visual Aids –Clear, concise instructions and visual aids can help autistic children understand what is expected of them. Demonstrations and visual schedules can provide the structure they need to succeed
  • Step-by-step instruction –Breaking down lessons into sequential steps allows students to grasp each component before moving on to the next. This approach reduces confusion and builds a solid foundation of understanding.
  • Repeated practice and reinforcement – Providing opportunities for students to practice and reinforce their skills ensures mastery and retention of concepts.
  • Sensory Accommodation – Identify sensory triggers and find ways to reduce them. This might include providing noise-canceling headphones, creating a quiet corner in the classroom, or using dim lighting to create a calmer environment.
  • Consistent, Calm Communication – Use a steady, calm tone of voice when addressing children, especially when giving feedback. They can be sensitive to changes in tone, which can affect their understanding and response.

https://lighthouseautismcenter.com/blog/why-autistic-children-have-difficulty-learning-regular-classroom

https://www.authenticallyemily.uk/blog/challenges-autistic-and-adhd-children-face-at-school-and-what-can-help

https://www.autismconnect.com/blogs/challenges-faced-by-kids-with-autism-in-classrooms

Changing the learning environment with sensory rooms

Sensory rooms have become a common and valuable addition to schools, hospitals, and community centers, offering a controlled environment with sensory-focused equipment. These spaces are designed to cater to individuals with learning difficulties, providing tailored sensory experiences. In this blog post, we explore the purposes, benefits, and research surrounding sensory rooms, shedding light on their role in supporting children with learning difficulties in classrooms.

Sensory rooms serve multiple purposes, acting as self-organization spaces, calming areas, and skill training centers. They are inclusive environments where students of all ages and abilities can explore together. The well-designed structure of these rooms allows for the control and monitoring of sensory experiences, addressing challenges such as overstimulation and stress. Moreover, sensory rooms play a crucial role in sensory integration therapy.

These rooms are not limited to students alone; they also benefit facilitators, teachers, parents, caregivers, and therapists. Individuals with multiple disabilities, often experiencing sensory impairments, find relief in sensory rooms by controlling sensory input, eliminating distractions, and helping them make sense of their external environment.

Ongoing research on sensory rooms has demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing and managing stress and aggression. Therapists utilize these rooms for reflective learning during critical incident debriefing, and they have shown success in reducing stereotyped behaviors in adolescents and adults. Additionally, the use of sensory rooms has been linked to increased attention and focus.

Common components of sensory rooms include bubble tubes, fiber optic sprays, beanbag chairs, interactive wall boards, rocking chairs, stereo or MP3 players with headphones, therapy balls, lighting/projectors with various colors and patterns, weighted blankets or lap pads, flowing water fountains, bins with assorted sensory activities, and aromatherapy diffuser kits. Bubble tubes, a prevalent component, provide visual and calming sensory stimulation. They serve as a focal point for attention, aiding in reflective learning and meeting individualized education program (IEP) goals. Projectors in sensory rooms transform spaces, offering scenario-driven environments that enrich multiple senses, promoting engagement and inspiration.

Before designing a sensory room, considerations should include the individual needs of the users, the number of individuals using the room simultaneously, its intended use, and long-term adaptability. Adequate space, proper layout, and attention to details like floor coverings and equipment placement are essential. Staff training is crucial to ensuring a well-utilized and effective sensory room. Schools, especially mainstream ones, can be noisy and overwhelming. Sensory rooms provide a practical solution by offering calming and safe spaces for pupils with autism and special educational needs. These rooms serve various purposes, including acting as therapeutic environments, aiding in physical skill development, and providing spaces for emotional regulation and learning management.

Children on the autism spectrum, those with learning difficulties, developmental delays, sensory impairments, and behavioral issues all stand to gain from the presence of sensory rooms in schools. These spaces cater to diverse learning styles and offer an inclusive, positive learning experience.

The term Special Educational Needs (SEN) encompasses individuals requiring additional support in a learning environment. While mainstream schools accommodate 82% of pupils with SEN, the need for dedicated support resources, including sensory rooms, remains evident. Sensory-friendly environments, such as multi-sensory rooms, immersive sensory rooms, and portable sensory rooms, provide effective tools for supporting children with diverse needs within mainstream schools.

Sensory rooms contribute significantly to the development of confidence, independence, and social skills. They offer an escape from classroom stress, can be incorporated into the learning curriculum, create positive learning experiences, and improve sensory processing.

https://nationalautismresources.com/school-sensory-rooms/

https://www.vertisbuildings.com/blog/sensory-rooms-schools

https://www.senteq.co.uk/sensory-rooms-in-mainstream-schools/

Assistive technology for ADHD

Living with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can present challenges, particularly when it comes to staying focused and organized. Fortunately, the digital age has brought forth a plethora of assistive technologies aimed at helping individuals with ADHD manage their tasks and improve concentration. In this guide, we explore a variety of apps, gadgets, and tools designed to enhance the learning experience and boost productivity for ADHD students, both in the classroom and at home.

1. Apps for Focus and Organization

In the world of assistive technology, there truly is an app for almost everything. Whether it’s creating to-do lists, setting reminders, or engaging in exercises to control ADHD symptoms, apps can be powerful tools. Friendship Circle, Understood.org, and ADDitude magazine offer curated lists of apps tailored to address attention and learning issues. Utilizing features such as calendar reminders, alarms, and photo annotations can further enhance organizational skills.

2. Hardware, Software, and Video Games

Hardware and software solutions also play a crucial role in assisting ADHD students. Livescribe, for example, combines the convenience of a pen with digital capabilities, allowing handwritten notes to be sent to smartphones. Gadgets and software recommended by experts like Dr. Marshall Raskind and Kristin Stanberry offer subject-specific support in areas such as math, reading, and writing.

Video games, often frowned upon, can be turned into allies. Games that require flexible thinking, memory, and planning can help ADHD students improve their focus. NASA-developed educational software, listed on the ADD/ADHD Support Site, originated from studies to keep pilots alert during long flights.

3. Task Timers and White Noise

Task timers, such as Focus Booster and MotivAider, assist students in managing distractions and learning time management skills. These tools gently remind students to pay attention or switch tasks. The Time Timer, available as an app or a physical clock, visually represents the passage of time, aiding children, in particular, with completing tasks or taking breaks.

White noise, a proven aid for focus, can be incorporated into a student’s routine using apps like White Noise or noise-canceling headphones. Research even suggests that white noise in the classroom can be as effective as medication in helping students with ADHD learn.

4. Cloud Storage for Organization

Cloud storage, offered by platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox, helps students with ADHD stay organized by preventing the loss of important assignments. Saving documents to the cloud ensures accessibility from various locations, reducing the risk of misplacement.

The vast array of assistive technologies available today offers hope and support for individuals with ADHD. By integrating these tools into daily routines, ADHD students can not only cope with challenges but also thrive academically and personally. Embracing technology as an ally, we pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.

https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/10-best-assistive-technologies-add-adhd/

https://study.com/blog/how-technology-can-help-your-adhd-student-stay-focused.html

https://www.additudemag.com/assistive-technology-education-applications-adhd-students/

https://us.livescribe.com/

Educational tools and strategies for students with ADHD

Before diving into specific tools and strategies, let’s briefly outline the common characteristics of students with ADHD:

1. Behavioral Classroom Management:

   – A teacher-led approach that promotes positive behaviors through reward systems.

   – Shown to increase academic engagement across various age groups.

2. Organizational Training:

   – Teaches time management, planning skills, and organizational strategies to optimize learning.

   – Effective for children and adolescents, promoting better focus and reduced distractions.

3. Special Education Services and Accommodations:

   – Governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

   – Offers individualized education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans with accommodations tailored to the child’s needs.

4. Teacher Involvement:

   – Communication strategies for teachers, including frequent positive feedback, sensitivity to emotional challenges, and providing extra warnings.

   – Tailoring assignments, offering choices, and minimizing distractions in the classroom.

5. Parent Education and Support:

   – Guidance for parents on understanding ADHD, advocating for their child, and actively participating in the development of IEP or 504 Plans.

   – Encouragement to maintain a good working relationship with the school while advocating for their child’s needs.

1. Fidget Tools:

   – Stress balls, silly putty, and chewable necklaces channel energy in a positive way.

   – Benefits: Discreet and effective, supports sensory needs.

2. Alternative Seating Options:

   – Swivel chairs, wobble chairs, disk seats, standing desks, and swinging footrests offer alternative choices.

   – Benefits: Varied options for individual preferences, promotes engagement.

3. Assistive Learning Tools:

   – Reading, Math, Writing, and Organizational Tools provide tailored support for ADHD students.

   – Benefits: Addresses individual learning challenges, promotes engagement.

1. Classroom Environment Modifications:

   – Structuring the classroom to reduce distractions and providing designated movement areas.

   – Benefits: Minimizes distractions, supports diverse learning styles.

2. Concrete Methods for Classroom Management:

   – Clear, concise instructions, immediate consequences for rule-breaking, and structured activities.

   – Benefits: Creates a predictable and supportive learning environment.

3. Collaboration with School Staff and Parents:

   – Regular team meetings involving parents, teachers, counselors, and special education professionals.

   – Benefits: Holistic support, consistent strategies at home and school.

Empowering ADHD learners involves a combination of school-based strategies, assistive technologies, and collaboration with educators and parents. By understanding the unique needs of students with ADHD and implementing tailored tools and strategies, we can create an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

https://manikapant18.medium.com/5-free-edtech-tools-to-better-engage-adhd-students-54cbdca8cd44

https://colleamoi.com/blogue/adhd-classroom-tools/?lang=en

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/school-success.html

https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/10-best-assistive-technologies-add-adhd/

Understanding ADHD and its impact on children’s education

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition impacting millions of children worldwide. Recognizing its characteristics is essential for educators to provide effective support in the academic journey of students with ADHD. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore what ADHD is, delve into the challenges it poses for children’s education, and discuss strategies, support systems, and assistive technologies that can make a positive impact.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurological condition characterized by a short attention span, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. As of 2024, around 7.2% of children under the age of 18 globally have been diagnosed with ADHD. Students with ADHD can exhibit both hyperactive and inattentive traits, leading to impatience, difficulty sitting still, disruptions in instruction, easy distraction, forgetfulness, and task avoidance. These traits significantly impact a student’s capacity to learn, develop social skills, and engage in academic environments, potentially resulting in educational disparities and an increased risk of dropping out of high school.

Understanding ADHD in the Classroom:

Children with ADHD encounter obstacles in traditional learning environments. Schools employ strategies like behavioral classroom management and organizational training to address these challenges. Behavioral classroom management focuses on positive reinforcement, while organizational training helps children develop time management and planning skills. Unfortunately, only about one in three children with ADHD receives behavioral classroom management, highlighting the need for increased awareness and implementation.

What Teachers Can Do To Help:

Teachers play a crucial role in helping children with ADHD succeed. Effective communication, clear assignment instructions, and flexibility in learning approaches are key. Providing choices for assignments, minimizing distractions, and incorporating organizational tools contribute to a more supportive classroom environment. Collaborating with parents and involving school counselors or psychologists enhances the overall support structure for children with ADHD. In addition to classroom strategies and support systems, assistive technologies can empower children with ADHD to manage their tasks more effectively.

Understanding ADHD and implementing effective strategies, support systems, and assistive technologies can make a significant difference in the educational experiences of students with ADHD. By creating inclusive classrooms, leveraging technology, modifying learning environments, and collaborating with school staff, educators can provide the necessary support for these students to achieve their full potential. It’s crucial to foster empathy, dispel stigmas, and celebrate every step of progress along the way. Together, parents, teachers, and healthcare providers can work collaboratively to ensure children with ADHD receive the tailored support needed for success in the classroom and beyond.

https://manikapant18.medium.com/5-free-edtech-tools-to-better-engage-adhd-students-54cbdca8cd44

https://colleamoi.com/blogue/adhd-classroom-tools/?lang=en

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/school-success.html

https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/10-best-assistive-technologies-add-adhd/

Inclusive educational content for children

There are different types of conditions that impact cognitive functions, which include abilities related to learning, memory, problem-solving, attention, and general intellectual functioning. These disabilities can affect a child’s ability to process information, acquire new knowledge, and perform various cognitive tasks, especially in early childhood, which is why it’s important that interactive materials and technologies used for learning are accessible to all children with disabilities.

The idea would be to create content, such as printed or digital book or an interactive platform that is inclusive for children with cognitive disabilities, in a way that encourages engagement through tasks and exercises. While being accessible to those children with cognitive impairments, it should also be alluring to other children and encourage them to interact with the content. The task would be to try and find the middle ground, where the content is exciting enough to keep children interested while also having their possible disabilities in mind.

Ensuring that children with disabilities can participate in a range of activities in early childhood is very important if these children are to benefit from learning environments.

  • Multisensory learning tools

Multisensory learning involves the use of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile pathways to enhance memory and learning of written language, which can be very helpful for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dyslexia, or learning difficulties: https://mein-kleines-baby.de/products/sensory-book-board-erforschen-und-lernen-durch-fuhlen-filzbuch?variant=46486197797202&gclid=CjwKCAiA6byqBhAWEiwAnGCA4PAO3BxCz9ok_h2uLY0IwbjNJTHUfQjN2VnaYXrNJFGHMTfqt2o9IhoCwXUQAvD_BwE

  • AAC devices

For children with communication difficulties, AAC devices, including communication boards and speech-generating devices, can facilitate expression and interaction:

  • Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Immersive experiences can make learning more engaging and help children understand abstract concepts in a concrete way:

As someone who has struggled with dyslexia my whole life, I am really passionate about this topic, because I was never treated any differently than my peers in school, even though they didn’t face the same difficulties as me. This obviously affected my learning ability and I was forced to find means of dealing with these issues on my own, which was not an easy task. Thankfully, this didn’t affect my ambitions to continue my education, since my disability was not that severe, but that is not the case for everyone. Young children often struggle a lot to find a way to first understand their disability and then learn how to cope with it.

By creating content that is inclusive for all children, we avoid singling out people with disabilities, while providing them with helpful ways of achieving everything they want and more!

Design fields play a crucial role in creating a positive and effective learning environment. The design of educational spaces encompasses a variety of elements, including architecture, interior design, graphic design, and instructional design.

There is an educational framework called Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The goal of UDL is to remove barriers to learning and provide multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression to meet the varying needs and preferences of students. UDL is based on the premise that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching and that instructional design should be adaptable and accessible to a wide range of learners.

The term „cognitive disabilities“ is extensive. The research of cognitive disabilities is a multidisciplinary endeavor that involves contributions from various fields, such as psychology, neuroscience, special education, genetics, educational psychology, etc. This might be really challenging and input from a lot of experts as well as people who have experience on the topic will be extremely necessary.

My next step would be focusing on specific disabilities I would like to address and doing more research on what they represent and how they are traditionally approached in the educational field.

I would also like to learn more about the existing solutions, their pros and cons, and also choose which media channel would be the best to address the problems.

https://www.cast.org/impact/universal-design-for-learning-udl

https://aem.cast.org/create/creating-accessible-websites

https://uxdesign.cc/universal-design-for-learning-for-students-with-autism-a7d12c0d35f7

https://www.ldau.org/multisensory-teaching-for-dyslexia#:~:text=They%20need%20specialized%20instruction%20to,engagement%20of%20all%20learning%20modalities.

https://4experience.co/vr-ar-teaching-for-students-with-adhd-and-asd/#:~:text=Visual%20Cues%20Help%20a%20Lot,to%20real%2Dworld%20situations%20difficult.

https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/teach-your-child-to-use-an-aac-device/