Assistive Technologies
LAMP: Words for Life App
What is the LAMP app?
LAMP Words For Life™ is a full English vocabulary augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) language app that combines the power of the PRC Unity® language system with Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP™) principles and strategies. LAMP™ is a therapeutic approach based on neurological and motor learning principles as well as clinical experiences that address the language development and communication needs of children with autism. It provides a consistent motor pattern for words and a systematic way to develop communication skills allowing for unlimited language growth opportunities. More than 20,000 parents, caregivers, teachers, and clinicians have been trained on LAMP™ worldwide and significant gains in communication ability have been witnessed and documented. (from the iTunes app description)
Research Based
Review of this product
What makes this tool an "assistive" technology?
LAMP Words for Life is based on the Unity language system. Unity is a language system used by clients around the world to enable independent communication for people with disabilities. (https://aacapps.com/lamp/)
Although this app may seem pricey at $299.99 per license, comparable hardware/software devices designed specifically to address augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) needs range in pricing from $88 (Partner/Plus) to $1185 (Smart/128 VSD) and even higher.
Our school district does have license to this app, I am not familiar with its uses or how to use it, specifically. So, I reached out to one of our Speech Pathologists and an Occupational Therapist - both of which have experience with AAC devices and the Unity language system. With the use of the LAMP app, students see improved skill in communicating with others. From that skill growth, they also "become more confident as they increase in vocabulary on the device".
Use of this digital communication tool requires consulting with someone that is educated on and understanding of delayed communication skills and nonverbal communication needs.
Reviews and Supporters of LAMP
The Center for AAC & Autism
Rowell Family Empowerment
Screenshots from the LAMP app
Nancy Carver
Graduate School
Email: carvernk@appstate.edu
Website: https://nancycarver.edublogs.org/
Facebook: facebook.com/nancy.carver.161
Twitter: @carvernd