Communicative competencies

Question 1

What is the ultimate goal of AAC intervention?

Answer 1

The ultimate goal of AAC intervention is for the individual to achieve communicative competence, in order to:

(1) effectively interact with others
(2) meet their needs and wants
(3) participate in activities of their choice

Question 2

What is linguistic competence? How does it aid the AAC user?

Answer 2

(1) Expressive and receptive skills of the native language spoken by the community in which AAC user lives
(2) learning the linguistic code of the AAC system - including learning the symbols used to represent vocabulary and language

So that AAC user can:

1. combine words
2. use appropriate syntax and morphology
3. communicate with specific meaning

Question 3

What is operational competence? How does it aid the AAC user?

Answer 3

Skills in the technical operation of AAC strategies and techniques, including:

(1) skills to produce the hand or body positions, and movements for gestures/signs for UNAIDED communication (e.g., eye blink codes, head nod/shake)
(2) skills to utilise SELECTION TECHNIQUES for AIDED AAC systems (e.g., direct selection with a finger or fist, eye gaze, scanning with a single switch)
(3) skills to NAVIGATE and operate aided AAC systems accurately and efficiently (e.g., navigate between pages, enter codes to retrieve pre-stored vocabulary items).

So that AAC user can:

1. ACCESS the device effectively and efficiently
2. NAVIGATE through the system appropriately
3. PROGRAM the system as required

Question 4

What is social competence? How does it aid the AAC user?

Answer 4

The knowledge about when, how, and with whom to functionally communicate using their AAC device, in order to meet communication goals.

Helps the AAC user to:

(1) develop pragmatic/discourse skills - turn taking, initiating and maintaining conversations
(2) show an interest in communication partners and a desire to communicate.
(3) respond appropriately to communication partner.

Question 5

What is strategic competence? How does it aid the AAC user?

Answer 5

The coping strategies that allow AAC users to bypass limitations in linguistic, operational, and social competence.

Allows the AAC user to overcome:

(1) linguistic constraints (e.g., asking the communication partner to write or type as they speak, in order to support comprehension difficulties)
(2) operational constraints (e.g., using telegraphic messages to enhance the rate of communication)
(3) social constraints (e.g., using an introduction strategy to explain the AAC system and how to use it or humor to put unfamiliar partners at ease)

Question 6

Name 5 psychosocial factors that influence communicative competence

Answer 6

1. Motivation to communicate
2. Attitude towards AAC
3. Communication confidence
4. Resilience
5. Environmental Supports and Barriers