Lecture 4: Language in AAC - symbols Flashcards
Now that you have the vocabulary what’s the next step?
What form the messages will be presented (symbols)
Explain aided vs. unaided symbols
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
What is non-symbolic communication?
Limited to here and now - using what they see and hear in environment (i.e. pointing)
how can you shape vocalizations so that all communication partners know what they mean?
> 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”)
What do we need to consider when using aided symbols?
- 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
true or false symbols are arbitrary
TRUE
what are iconic vs. opaque symbols
iconic: pic of chair for chair, opaque = triangle for rock
We use more ______ symbols for adults because we are tapping into previous knowledge
iconic
how can we helpkids understand symbols?
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
define transparency/iconicity
degree to which symbol resembles its referent
What factors determine learnability of symbols
age, cognition, functioning, vision, culture, motivation, 1st language
Kids around age __ understand that a symbol means something
3
true or false - auditory words are symbols
TRUE
what symbols do we use for Clients who can’t see or if they see very poorly
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)
Rebus/widget symbols?
cannot really guess meaning of these symbols
Gus symbols ?
a bit easier to figure out
Pictograms?
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
what is PCS?
symbol sets that look suited to kids (adult may get offended)
• Need to modify them to make them more culturally and/or age-appropriate
how are photos used as symbols?
hard for anyone with vision problems, context rich
• More specific (e.g. picture of CIBC rather than generic bank picture)
what are virtual scenes - who would benefit most?
: 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)
difference b/w symbol set and symbol system?
May combine 2 pictures which don’t change meaning (symbol set)
-Whereas a symbol system combines 2 symbols to create new meaning
What are the challenges of using minispeak with adults?
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
What is “Bliss” used for?
-Character based language, e.g. Cantonese
-Alphanumeric?
numbers and alphabet
what would be some rate enhancement techniques for the cases we discussed?
-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
true or false - If a client has strong reading skills, don’t give them pictures
true unless they want them!
