AAC
Augmentative
And
Alternative
Communication
Bonnie Young
Wendy Homlish
AT Consultants CLIU 21
What is AAC?
Used to describe communication
modes other than verbal speech
Sign language
Gestures
Alphabet systems
Symbol or picture systems
AAC is
Aided or unaided communication
modes used as a supplement to or as
an alternative to oral language,
including gestures, sign language,
picture symbols, the alphabet, and
computers with synthetic speech.
Augmentative Communication
Any approach designed to enhance an
individuals already existing speaking
skills. Not designed to replace
existing communication abilities, but
rather to support them.
Alternative Communication
Those communication approaches that
are an individuals primary means of
communication. Utilized when an
individual possesses no oral
communication abilities.
AAC System
An integrated group of components,
including the symbols, aids, strategies,
and techniques used by individuals to
enhance communication
Candidates for AAC
Congenital disabilities
CP
Autism
Mental retardation
Developmental apraxia
Sensory impairments
Acquired neurogenic disorders
Progressive disabilities
Temporary structural changes
Symbol
Methods used for visual, auditory,
and/or tactile representation of
conventional concepts
Can be gestures, photographs, manual
sign sets/systems, printed words,
objects, spoken words, Braille
Aid
A physical object or device used to
transmit or receive messages
Can include communication book,
board, chart, mechanical or electronic
device, computer
Strategy
Specific way of using AAC aids,
symbols, and/or techniques more
effectively for enhanced
communication.
A plan that can facilitate ones
performance
Technique
A method of transmitting messages
Linear scanning, encoding, signing,
natural gesturing, direct selection
Output
The information AAC users transmit
to communication partners
Synthesized speech (computerized)
Digitized speech (recorded)
Hard copy print
Computer screen messages
Array
An organized display of symbols,
pictures, letters, or other
information on an AT device; often in
a row-column matrix
Selection Techniques
Direct Selection
Touching, pointing, headsticks, eye gaze
Scanning
Circular, linear, group-item
Central Goal of AAC
To communicate messages so users
can interact in conversations
Participate at school, home, work,
recreational activities
Establish and maintain social roles
Meet personal needs
Purpose of Communicative
Interaction
Communication of
needs and wants
Information
transfer
Social closeness
Social etiquette
Janice Light, 1988
Message Selection
Learning to Communicate vs. Communicating
to Learn
Factors to be considered
Environments
Gender
Age
Cognitive/linguistic levels
Activities/involvement level
Cultural issues
Messages Should Be
Age appropriate
Fun and motivating
Purposeful and meaningful
Natural and useful to the activity
Promote active and natural
participation in the activity
Generic and reusable
Messages
Promote communication not activity
sequencing skills
Have high frequency of occurrence
Driven by the individual
Continually updated and revised
Participation Model
Academic Participation
Competitive
Active
Involved
None
How do we know which is
best?
Feature match
Team involvement
SETT Framework
Fixed Display
Symbols and items on board
are in a fixed location
Number of items varies
Must typically use a variety of
fixed displays to accommodate
communication needs
Compensate for limitations
with levels, encoding
Dynamic Displays
Computer screens with visual symbols
that , when activated, automatically
change the screen to a new set of
symbols
Including the Student Who
Uses AAC
Structure the environment to support
communication
Proper positioning
Access to AAC
Access to partners
Involvement in motivating activities
Respond to the individuals
communication attempts
Confirm the intended message
Including the Student
Ensure shared focus of attention
Provide opportunities for
communication
Wait and provide enough time to
communicate
Model appropriate use of AAC
No Tech Solutions (Unaided)
Gestures
Body language
Eye gaze
Manual signing
Low Tech Solutions
Manual communication board/book
Single message vocal output
communication devices
PECS vs. PCS
Mid-Tech Solutions
Multiple message vocal output
communication systems, including:
TechTalk
Message Mate
Speak Easy
High Tech Solutions
Dynavox products (DV4, MT4,
MightyMo)
Dynamic display
Categorical
Dynasyms vs. PCS
Pathfinder/Vanguard/ Vantage
Fixed/Dynamic Display
Semantic Compaction - MinSpeak
Remember:
Incidental teaching
episodes are brief, positive,
and oriented towards
COMMUNICATION
rather than languageteaching, per se.
Partner Characteristics
Adults
Communication Interaction Style
Tend to dominate the interactions
Preempt the students or young childs turn
Dont give students or young children time to
formulate messages
Often fail to respond to students or young
childs initiations
Often anticipate the students or young childs
needs and thoughts, making it unnecessary for
them to communicate
Solutions
Understand how partners can
facilitate the effective use of
communication through the use of:
environmentally-based cues
a unique, least-to-most prompt
hierarchy
the use of appropriate descriptive
feedback
Communicative
competence is about
people. It is not about
computer technology, or
AAC systems. Technology
is just the tool, it is the
people and the interactions
between them that must be
our main focus.
