Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is considered all forms of communication that excludes oral speech.It is a way to communicate the feelings of a person who either is hearing or oral speech impaired. A few examples of AAC are writing, facial expressions, drawing pictures, or communication aid tools.
One low tech tool to assist special needs students through the communication process is the BIGmack. The BIGmack can record any single message directly into the communicator and can press its activation surface for playback up to two minutes in length. BIGmack is for persons with visual impairments or who require a larger target area. This communicator can be good for the classroom whenever a student needs to communicate to use the bathroom, or "will be right back," and it can help students to communicate with each other. It is a very simple tool but also resourceful to communicate small notions or phrases. 
One high tech tool to assist students with special needs and can be used for the communication process is the Chat PC 4. The Chat PC 4 contains features for adapting the vocabulary with specific communication needs of the individual using the device. The Mayer Johnson PCS symbols and the Imagine symbols are included for customizing and creating your own pages. You can also use the included DestktopChat software to create pages and to import photos and other images from a computer. ChatPC-4 also contains pre-programmed starter vocabulary sets.Accessibility
An input device is any device that provides input to a computer. The two most common input devices are a keyboard and mouse. Every key you press on the keyboard and every movement or click you make with the mouse sends a specific input signal to the computer. These commands allow you to open programs, type messages, drag objects, and perform many other functions on your computer.
One software input technology device that is an apple program is Proloquo2go. Proloquo2go is for those who have experienced from birth cerebral palsy, autism, apraxia, developmental disabilities or conditions that came later in life, such as ALS, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. This program can be used in the classroom with an iPad, iPod, or Mac computer or outside of the classroom, which makes it easier for the student to adapt have usage to it. The device helps to communicate phrases, construct stories, talk to peers, and customize their speech. 
One hardware input technology device is the braille keyboard. the braille keyboard is for sight impaired persons who need help with writing or using the internet through a keyboard. The keyboard has a separate key for each letter and also has a dot device that helps guide the typing to the next letter or word.
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Robert
I like all the pieces that you found. I am curious to know, what is other software and output devices that can be joined with the keyboard for the visually impared? Are their programs that will give audio along with the typing, or pc integrated braille printers?
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