L9 AAC Flashcards
what does AAC stand for
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
what is AAC
“A group of methods, strategies and/or techniques that support the use of functional and effective communication”
(Beukelman & Mirenda, 2005)
who uses AAC
people whose speech is not meeting their communication needs.
three groups of AAC users
- expressive language group
- supportive language group
- alternative group
expressive language group
- Good comprehension
- Typically use AAC due to a motor impairment
- AAC is usually a permanent alternative
do the expressive language group use AAC for input or output
exlusively output
supportive langugage group
- Expected to develop speech
- Non-speech systems to kick start the process and promote language development
- Typically these people have a learning disability or a severe articulatory disorder
- Includes those using strategies to support unclear speech
do people in the supportive language group use AAC for input or output
always output and sometimes input
alternative group
- They may have little understanding of speech
- Non-speech system replaces speech for all purposes
- Used by individuals with learning disabilities or autism
do the alternative group use AAC for input or output
both
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
types of AAC
- no tech/unaided
- light tech
- mid tech
- high tech
examples of unaided AAC
- Eye pointing
- Facial expressions
- Gesture
- Manual sign (e.g. Lámh or ISL)
- Pointing
examples of low tech aac
- Communication board/book
- Alphabet board
- Communication passport
examples of mid tech aac
- Generally battery operated
- Single message- Big Mac
- Sequenced message- Step by Step
- Static device- Go Talk
multimodal aac
People often use a mixture of both aided and unaided aids and techniques:
examples of high tech aac
- Computer-based Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs)
- Dynamic display
- Wide range available
- Wide range of software package score words, phrases, alphabet based etc.
example of multimodal aac
- high tech software in school
- low tech communication board (with similar design as high tech) in the bath
- unaided pointing, lamh, facial expressions at home with family
Light’s (1989) 4 Competencies
- Linguistic
- Operation
- Social
- Strategic
advantages of AAC
- provide 2 simultaneous inputs (typically auditory and visual)
- enhance speech and/or lang. development
- more static; entries are available for a longer period of time, or can be slowed more than vocal language with less distortion
- more amenable to physical prompting
advantages of early introduction of AAC
- Potential for development of communication
- Less associated with failure
- Less time for negative attitudes to develop
- Proactive approach to intervention
advantages of later introduction of AAC
- Allows time for all to grow accustomed
- May allow time for skill development necessary for effective use
- Allows carers more input into the final decision
- May allow more space for harnessing cooperation
disadvantages of AAC
- not typical systems of communication and may not be as readily reinforced by natural speakers
- Persons in the environment may be hesitant to accept use of an augmentative system, as they may feel it represents giving up on vocal language
- Persons in the environment may be unable to receive the message (may not understand the sign)
- Persons in the environment may not be willing to take the time necessary to receive the messages or converse
- Augmentative systems may be more expensive due to the need to buy equipment and/or train persons to teach and receive messages.
- May be complex to develop effective system for individual
- Competing demands: motor cognitive etc.
