Students from University of the Philippines produce DAISY Digital Talking Books to address specific difficulties in comprehension, extinguishing disruptive behaviour and improving social skills of children with autism. This undertaking is in line with their thesis in the Master’s Program of Special Education.
DAISY or Digital Accessible Information System was introduced to ASP in February 2008. DAISY is believed to be ideal format for reference materials and learning resources to persons with disabilities, including autism.
Adavieve Mella, one of the students, started producing her first batch of DTB using the Dolphin Publisher. The Dolphin Publisher makes the creation of DAISY digital talking book easier and faster; and allows the navigation structure and the layout of the books to be tailored exactly to suit the requirements of user person with disability.
According to Mella, producing a DTB was not an easy task. It required meticulous efforts to understand the technicalities in using the software. It was unavoidable to experience various problems in producing a DTB. Among the problems that were encountered was validating a DTB book. A DTB would not be valid unless it meets the required settings.
Such unique problem has not been previously encountered by DAISY DTB trainers like Ms. Bing David; therefore, technical assistance was forwarded to Ms. Mayu Hamada, the DAISY DTB trainer from Japan. Through their positive and supportive responses; Mella was able to produce the first three DTB needed for her study. She continues to visit ASP on a scheduled basis to produce her DTBs.
ASP is licensed by the DAISY Consortium, the company which develops, maintains and promotes international DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) Standards. With written permission to use the Dolphin Publisher, students like Mella can continue to pursue knowledge and bear positive results for care and assistance of children with autism.
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ASP continues to explore different avenues to educate students and professionals helping children with autism. Be an Angel for Autism. Donate now to support ASP programs and services. For more information on DAISY, email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call us at 7-903-5496.
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