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Frequently
Asked Questions:
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Q: |
How
do people use a keyboard that doesn't have a way to print
out?
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A: |
It
takes two people to use the Buddy Board. The person who
cannot talk needs a facilitator or person who will speak
out loud the words the nonverbal person is typing. |
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Q: |
How
are you sure they are typing the right letters? |
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A: |
There
are several ways that people check out the accuracy of
the typing. The facilitator softly says each letter as
it is typed and finally the entire sentence when it is
typed. The typer is asked to point to no if the facilitator
gets the wrong letter or word. The facilitator also checks
out with the typer after each sentence whether they got
the message right. |
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Q: |
How does a person ask to type if they are looking at the
pre-printed word side of the board?
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A: |
The
"Please turn over" box at the bottom of both sides of
the board should be pointed out to the typer. Tell him/her,
"If you want to type, and we are on the opposite side
of the board, just point to 'Please turn over.'" |
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Q: |
If a person can type, why do we need pre-printed words?
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A: |
Typing
out words is five times harder than pointing to a word,
and it can be exhausting especially in stressful situations
or when a person is not feeling well. The "Please turn
over" box at the bottom of both sides of the board should
be pointed out to the typer, so if they don't want to
type out a long sentence or word, they can just ask to
see the other side of the board.
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Q: |
What is the backward arrow key on the bottom of the keyboard
used for?
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A: |
The
backward arrow can be used as a backspace key, so a typer
can delete a letter or a whole word by hitting it. Since
the typer may not realize this is available, please explain
this to them. That way, he or she can let you know when
they accidentally hit a wrong key or keys, or you said
the wrong key or keys.
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Q: |
How can I test to see if my typer is letting me know if
I am getting the letters correct?
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A: |
Let your typer know that they have a responsibility to
let you know when they, or you, make an error in the facilitation
process. Sometimes a typer will hit between keys and you
call out the wrong letter. When that happens, the typer
should point to "No" or the backspace arrow. At times
to test if your typer is letting you know when you speak
the wrong letter, deliberately say the wrong letter. When
they call you on it, thank them and congratulate them
for catching your error! Their trust and confidence in
you will increase. |
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Q: |
What is the purpose of a keyguard/holder since there is
not a way to print out what is typed on this board?
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A: |
The
keyguard helps with accuracy in pointing. Because each
key on the QWERTY keyboard has a drilled out hole on the
keyguard, the typer is forced to point into an indented
space for each letter or number. The keyguard/holder also
allows you to place your Buddy Board™ on a table so that
it sits at a good angle for the typer to see it and point
to letters. By using the keyguard/holder, you have one
hand free to touch the typer on the shoulder (for emotional
support), with your other hand used to support the wrist
or elbow (depending upon the skill of your typer.) The
keyguard/holder is ideal for when you want to increase
independence in typing by intermittently dropping physical
support of the wrist or elbow, but keeping physical contact
with the typer. |
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Q: |
Why are there empty boxes on the back of the Buddy Board™?
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A: |
You
can write in the empty spaces additional words your typer
would frequently use. To write on the Buddy Board™ you
can use a permanent marker. If you use a WET erase marker,
you can change it later, but it will smear with use unless
you use the transparent plastic Keyguard/Holder. |
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Click
here for a printer friendly version. |
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