Alternative and Augmentative Communication

Question 1

What is alternative and augmentative communication?

Answer 1

Used with individuals who have severe impairments if speech.
Involves supplementing or replacing natural speech and or writing with aids such as pictures, symbols, drawings, signing, gestures, finger spelling.
Augmentative = the process of augmenting or supplementing existing speech abilities
Alternative = some method that becomes a substitute or replacement for speech

Question 2

Who benefits from AAC?

Answer 2

Approximately 12 out of every 1000 people are unable  to meet their daily communication needs through speech
Individuals who may benefit from AAC
Deafness
Mental retardation
Autism spectrum disorders
Cerebral palsy
Glossectomy (tongue removal)
Laryngectomy
Dysarthria and apraxia

Question 3

Types of AAC

Answer 3

Aided: 
Uses some type of equipment or device 
Range from simple such as picture boards to extremely sophisticated devices such as electronic devices
Unaided:
Do not use any external devices, but relies on the individuals body
Sign language
Finger spelling
Gestures

Question 4

Aided aac

Answer 4

No-tech
Do not use any technology 
Paper/pencil
Writing
Low tech
Communication picture boards
Alphabet boards
Eye gaze systems
High-Tech
Electronic devices
Many use computer technology
Many use synthesized voice