More information
Description
Statistics shows that the number of children with various developmental disorders is increasing in Lithuania. Autism, dyslexia, hyperactive children - these are the terms that parents interpret with anxiety and teachers complain about. In the year of 2013, 1006 children were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, whereas in 2018 the number increased up to 1896, ie 1.7 times higher.
Due to the growing statistical curve, the state is unable to adapt to the growing number of such children and does not provide all the necessary assistance to families. Increasingly, children with language disorders or simply the ones, that gained little spoken language experience are coming to the first classes. Language difficulties reduce the possibility of cooperation and exchange of information with peers, which can lead to a lower social status in the group, a higher risk of behavioral disorders may emerge, and the development of other cognitive processes is often delayed. In order to reduce this process, the method-tool LingoLT will be developed by the company “Nareka”. LingoLT is an innovative method, more precisely, an App to use on a phone or tablet, which systematically changes or supports natural language and creates alternative communication between a child with a speech disorder and his immediate environment, especially with parents, relatives, and further with education professionals, friends, and so on.
The main aim of the project is to test and develop a mobile app for children with speech disorders.
Summary of project results
Statistics show that the number of children with various disabilities in Lithuania was increasing in 2016-2019: https://osp.stat.gov.lt/statistiniu-rodikliu-analize?indicator=S3R697#/; https://hi.lt/html/en/health_statistic.htm.
Communication difficulties of children with speech disorders reduce the ability to cooperate and exchange information with peers, which can lead to a lower social status in the group, a higher risk of behavioral disorders may emerge, and the development of other cognitive processes is often delayed.
To reduce this process, the method-tool LingoLT was proposed by the company “Nareka”.
The goal of the project: To test and introduce the mobile app LingoLT for children with developmental disorders to communicate, be heard and understood.
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Statistics show that the number of children with disabilities in Lithuania increased between 2016 and 2019.
Children with speech disorders often struggle to communicate effectively, making it harder for them to interact with their peers. This can lead to lower social status, an increased risk of behavioral disorders and delays in cognitive development.
To address this issue, the company “Nareka” developed LingoLT, a mobile app designed to help children with developmental disorders communicate more easily and be heard and understood.
The goal of the project was to test and introduce LingoLT as a tool to support communication for these children, improving their ability to connect with others.
The LingoLT mobile app, an innovative and effective method for improving the well-being of children with language disorders and their families was tested and implemented during the project. It is a free tool to use on a phone or tablet that systematically changes or maintains natural language and creates alternative communication between a child with a speech disorder and his or her immediate environment.
These tasks of the project are completed:
- A study on the distribution of children with language disorders in municipalities of Lithuania has been carried out.
- The app introduced in 30 Lithuanian municipalities while organizing educational events-trainings.
- The LingoLT app has been tested and is distributed throughout Lithuania.
The project was implemented without partners.
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During the project, the LingoLT mobile app was tested and successfully implemented as an innovative and effective tool for improving the well-being of children with speech disorders and their families. This free app, available for phones and tablets, helps children with speech difficulties communicate by either supporting natural language development or providing an alternative means of communication with their immediate environment.
The project achieved several key milestones:
- A study was conducted to assess the distribution of children with speech disorders across Lithuanian municipalities.
- The app was introduced in 30 municipalities through educational events and training sessions.
- LingoLT was thoroughly tested and made available for use across Lithuania.
The project was implemented without partners.
Target groups of the project: Children with developmental disorders (speech or autism spectrum disorders), who have difficulty speaking and expressing themselves; their parents and family members, friends, psychologists, special educators, educational support professionals, the local community, society.
The LingoLT app systematically replaces or maintains natural language and creates alternative communication between a child with a speech disorder and his or her immediate environment (family, educators, friends). The continuity and impact of the project will be ensured after the end of the project - LingoLT will be improved, available and supported in the app stores Google Play and App Store. More than 1000 downloads of the app are counted to date.
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The target groups of the project included children with developmental disorders, such as speech or autism spectrum disorders, who have difficulty speaking and expressing themselves. The project also supported their parents, family members, friends, psychologists, special educators, educational support professionals, local communities and society as a whole.
The LingoLT app was designed to help children with speech disorders by either supporting natural language development or providing an alternative way to communicate with those around them, including family, educators and friends. The project’s impact will continue beyond its completion, as LingoLT will be regularly updated, maintained and freely available on Google Play and the App Store. To date, the app has been downloaded over 1,000 times.