AAC Flashcards
What is AAC?
A group of methods, strategies and/or techniques that support the use of functional and effective communication
Who uses AAC?
- People whose speech is not meeting their communication needs.
- May have little or no speech or speech is not a reliable means in all situations.
- People who have a developmental disability - e.g. cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disability,
- People who have an acquired disability – e.g. motor neurone disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury
Different types of AAC:
- Manual signing: Lámh or Makaton
- Symbol books and boards
- Alphabet boards
- Objects of reference
- High tech communication aids
- Phones and tablets with or without
specialized software
Electronic Communication Aids
Communication Devices:
Most devices are touchscreen computers with integrated speakers.
Keyboards on these devices use onscreen alphabet or symbol-based software to create messages.
Accessibility Features:
Individuals with limited hand function can use various methods, such as switch control by hand, head, foot, or vibrations from the throat.
Computer scans through options until one is selected by the switch.
Eye Gaze Technology:
Some devices employ eye gaze technology, where communication is controlled by eye movements tracked by a calibrated camera.
Versatility:
Synthesized voice technology extends beyond communication, as it can be utilized in various aspects of life, such as grocery shopping from home.
Objects of reference
- Communication system that associates objects with events/activities
- another way of using visuals - easy to understand
- objects give more sensory info, concrete, permanent
- sponge = bath time
- benefits
- help deliver the message if struggling to understand the message
- signal what is about to happen - reduce anxiety
- prompt to aid memory - once familiar, can help make choices, timetable, show sequence of events
3 groups that use AAC
- Expressive language group
- Supportive language group
- Alternative group
expressive language group
- good comprehension
- typically motor impairment
- AAC typically permanent alternative
- OUTPUT
supportive language group
- Expected to develop speech
- Non-speech system to kick-start the process, promote language development
- Learning disability, severe articulatory disorders
- Output +/- input
- And those using strategies to support unclear speech
alternative group
- AAC for input and output purposes
- May have little understanding of speech
- Non-speech system replaces speech for all purposes
- Individuals with learning disability, autism
augmentative vs alternative communication
Augmentative
- enhance existing communication abilities
- gestures, communication boards, picture symbols, electronic devices
Alternative
- substitute for natural speech/writing when traditional forms not possible
- sign language, communication devices that generate speech output, other non-verbal forms
AAC system
an integrated group of components, including the symbols, aids, strategies and techniques used by individuals to enhance communication
AAC symbol
the visual, auditory and/or tactile representation of conventional concept e.g. photographs, objects, line drawn symbols, words
AAC aid
a physical object or device used to transmit or receive messages e.g. communication book, board, chart, electronic device
AAC strategy
a specific way of using AAC aids, symbols and/or techniques more effectively for enhanced communication
AAC technique
a method of transmitting messages e.g. signing
