Lecture 4: Language in AAC - symbols

Question 1

Now that you have the vocabulary what’s the next step?

Answer 1

What form the messages will be presented (symbols)

Question 2

Explain aided vs. unaided symbols

Answer 2

Unaided=natural abilities – if they have enough dexterity to do signing then should build this in (as long as communication partners know what this sign or signal is)

• Aided=any picture symbols, alphabet, etc.
• Yes/no can be unaided, but always also give them an aided yes/no

Question 3

What is non-symbolic communication?

Answer 3

Limited to here and now - using what they see and hear in environment (i.e. pointing)

Question 4

how can you shape vocalizations so that all communication partners know what they mean?

Answer 4

> have list of words they can say on their tray
Auditory scanning: Can signal through grunt or sound a choice (e.g. “do you want milk, juice, water. When you hear the one you want – milk, juice (uh huh), water”)

Question 5

What do we need to consider when using aided symbols?

Answer 5

• How we interpret symbols may not be how client interprets them
• Developmental delay – may not associate picture of chair with actual chair – why we need to put symbols around in environment
• Words are symbols

Question 6

true or false symbols are arbitrary

Answer 6

TRUE

Question 7

what are iconic vs. opaque symbols

Answer 7

iconic: pic of chair for chair, opaque = triangle for rock

Question 8

We use more ______ symbols for adults because we are tapping into previous knowledge

Answer 8

iconic

Question 9

how can we helpkids understand symbols?

Answer 9

Labelling and putting symbols around the environment can help them get it
Depending on the developmental level May have to start with a photo of an object

May carry more meaning for some users - Then move to symbols

Question 10

define transparency/iconicity

Answer 10

degree to which symbol resembles its referent

Question 11

What factors determine learnability of symbols

Answer 11

age, cognition, functioning, vision, culture, motivation, 1st language

Question 12

Kids around age __ understand that a symbol means something

Answer 12

3

Question 13

true or false - auditory words are symbols

Answer 13

TRUE

Question 14

what symbols do we use for Clients who can’t see or if they see very poorly

Answer 14

will use tactile symbols, some real objects, and miniature objects
• E.g. braille, “puffy paint”
• Auditory scanning – symbols = auditory words (enhanced with whatever vision or tactile skills client may have)

Question 15

Rebus/widget symbols?

Answer 15

cannot really guess meaning of these symbols

Question 16

Gus symbols ?

Answer 16

a bit easier to figure out

Question 17

Pictograms?

Answer 17

easy to figure out & we use them all the time, in national parks for example (bathroom symbols)
• Adults can tap into their previous knowledge
• High contrast for visual challenges

Question 18

what is PCS?

Answer 18

symbol sets that look suited to kids (adult may get offended)
• Need to modify them to make them more culturally and/or age-appropriate

Question 19

how are photos used as symbols?

Answer 19

hard for anyone with vision problems, context rich

• More specific (e.g. picture of CIBC rather than generic bank picture)

Question 20

what are virtual scenes - who would benefit most?

Answer 20

: tap into context rich, situationally based communicating
• User needs to realize that it represents their bathroom
• Debate in literature…how do you move from this into core?
• How do you move to a text rich environment and literacy?
• Adults with acquired conditions may needs this to support severely impaired language environment (e.g. Aphasia – need contextual help)

Question 21

difference b/w symbol set and symbol system?

Answer 21

May combine 2 pictures which don’t change meaning (symbol set)
-Whereas a symbol system combines 2 symbols to create new meaning

Question 22

What are the challenges of using minispeak with adults?

Answer 22

 Need to be able to see symbols clearly (small – many clients cannot see them)
 Not good for adults with acquired conditions…trying to teach new language system on top of an already impaired language system

Question 23

What is “Bliss” used for?

Answer 23

-Character based language, e.g. Cantonese

Question 24

-Alphanumeric?

Answer 24

numbers and alphabet

Question 25

what would be some rate enhancement techniques for the cases we discussed?

Answer 25

-Cases & symbol sets:
• James (3.5 year old with autism): minspeak (early age, good motor, screen will stay the same)
• Jane (8 years, CP, good IQ): combination of minspeak & categories, alphanumeric
• Mary (older, can’t read or write): photos, PCS age-appropriate
• Fred (ALS, still working): alphanumeric, pre-programmed stuff presented with words

Question 26

true or false - If a client has strong reading skills, don’t give them pictures

Answer 26

true unless they want them!