Description
What is an E-Tran Board?
An E-tran board is a special communication system which enables people to select letters with their eyes. (E-tran stands for "Eye Transfer".)
This particular E-Tran is based on a design by Amy Roman, SLP-CCC. It is designed to be simpler, easier to learn and more efficient than conventional E-tran boards.
Who Is the E-Tran For?
The E-Tran board is for individuals with:
- Very limited movement
- The ability to spell
- Intentional (volitional) eye movements.
How Does It Work?
- For an explanation of how the E-Tran board works, please see video.
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What is an E-Trans Board
The E-Tran Board can be used in two different ways:
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DIRECT METHOD
Letters are selected using one to two eye movements. (Fastest and most efficient way.) -
SCANNING
Simpler and easier, but a little slower than the direct method
Design Features
- Alphabetical layout makes it easier to learn than a conventional E-tran board.
- High frequency letters (A, E, I, O, T) are selected with a single glance. (All other letters are selected with 2 glances.)
- Star symbol allows for encoded language.
(For example, "Star B" could be set to mean "I need to go to the bathroom".) - E-tran board can also be used for scanning.
Features
- Printed on durable, abrasion resistant acrylic
- Allows for face-to-face communication
- Lightweight (approx. 1 pound)
- 14 x 18 inches
- Letters are printed on an opaque white background (making it easier to read against a patterned background)
- Rounded handles for easy holding
What Is An E-TRAN Board?
Pointing to, or handing you objects and pictures can be a useful way for a non-verbal child to communicate.*
Non-verbal children who have limited hand function may not be able to point to, or hold on to objects or pictures in order to communicate. These children still need a way to communicate and make choices.
Other children may not yet have learned to select pictures as a means of communicating. However, it’s a natural response for most children to look at interesting things which are placed in front of them. These children can gradually learn to make an association between what they look at, and ‘rewards’/results.
E-TRAN stands for “Eye Transfer”. It is also sometimes referred to as an “E-TRAN frame” or an “eye gaze board”.
An E-TRAN is like an empty picture frame. The frame is placed in front of the child, with meaningful pictures or objects stuck around its edges, facing the child. There is a hole in the middle of the board. The communication partner sits across from the child, so that they are able to see the child’s face through the hole.
When the child looks at a picture or an object on the E-TRAN, the communication partner (sitting opposite), can see where their eyes are going. This lets them know which item the child is indicating.
Make It Fun & Motivating!
What is the child interested in?
Do they like sports? Music? Pets? Disney shows? Superheroes? Use objects & pictures that are interesting and motivating to the child.
A child with a significant physical disability can have a hard time “making things happen” in the world around them. An E-TRAN board can give a child the opportunity to “make something happen”.
Make the choices on the E-TRAN meaningful and personal to the child. The more interesting the choices, the higher the chance for success using the board.
Using Objects
Pictures and symbols might be too abstract for some beginning users. If so, start with highly motivating objects, food (if appropriate) or small toys. Stick these items directly on the board. Tape them on if necessary.
Here, Vanessa is using her E-TRAN board to choose her next activity. Her choices are bubble blowing, feeding the fish, or playing with her teddy bear.
Vanessa looks at the bubbles to indicate that she wants to do bubble making.
You can play games with these objects. For example, shopping (the child is the shopkeeper. You ask for an item and they have to indicate it on the board.) Use real money, eat real cookies. You can gradually mix in the odd picture later.
NOTE: When beginning to use images, some children may fine it easier to start with photos, rather than pictures or symbols.
*A Word About Language
Both adults and children use E-TRAN boards. To make these instructions easier to read, we have used the word “child” throughout.