Niall Brown, INTERVENOR in the Toronto District School Board, has created some simple instructions to allow individuals with additional disabilities to learn to use their voice, and make colours, waves, and patterns appear on their computer screen.  As a motivational tool, this strategy is ideal for individuals who have CHARGE syndrome.  Because of cranial nerve implications in CHARGE, many young children have delayed speech development.  There are also reports of speech apraxia in CHARGE, auditory processing issues, as well as hearing impairment and deafness.  Vision loss in CHARGE syndrome is often reported as "field" loss and so teachers encourage the development of residual vision.  This makes Niall's idea a great teaching tool for many children who have CHARGE syndrome. 

On the weblink, Niall explains what "Winamp" is and how to use it, combining it with a microphone.  The great thing about using the "Winamp" media player for this, is that it is a free download from the distributer, Nullsoft.  Teachers or INTERVENORS can also help determine with the children the preferences for visual displays.  

Follow Niall's directions and tips from the website link page CHARGE Syndrome Canada - Net Notables and click on "Resources for Intervenors".

CHARGE Sydnrome Canada Newsletter Christmas 2005 <back to newsletter>