AAC Tools to Support Communication ATLA Webinar, August 19, 2010
May 26, 2015
AAC Tools to Support Communication
ATLA Webinar, August 19, 2010
The Goals of AAC
Functional Communication Requirements Communication Intents Light, 1988
To establish social closeness Expression of needs/wants Information Transfer Social Etiquette
Functional Communication Requirements Range of Communication Intents
Greet, manipulate, relate information, agree/disagree, answer, ask questions, instruct others, ask for things, joke, express opinions, share information, express feelings, protest, describe, discuss interests, bargain, comment, request/attract attention, complain
Developmental Requirements Interaction (Pragmatics) Language (Semantics, Syntax) Operation (Intelligible, efficient,
independent) Literacy
The Challenge of AAC
“A child who uses speech will independently select the words she wishes to use from the vast array of words she hears/sees every day. A child who uses AAC will independently select the words from the vocabulary other people have chosen to model, and for aided symbols, made available for her to use.”
Porter & Kirkland, 1995, p. 93-94
Symbol Sets Boardmaker (Mayer-Johnson) Pogo Boards (AbleNet)
Symbol Stix Widget PECS Many others are available, with different
levels of vocabulary
Pogo Boards
Widget Symbols
PECS
No-Tech Communication Systems Picture Communication Cards Picture Communication Boards Picture Communication Books PECS Word Boards Letter Boards
Picture Communication Cards
Eye Gaze
Communication Boards
Picture Communication Book
PECS
Lite-Tech Communication Systems Single Message Devices
Lite-Tech Communication Systems Single Message Devices
Single switch activates a single, recorded message
Use for repeated lines, single messages, using cause/effect learning to engage in social activities
Big Mack, Talking Symbols, Talking Picture Frames, GoTalk Button
Lite-Tech Communication Systems Single Message Sequential Devices
Lite-Tech Communication Systems Single Message, Sequential Devices
Single switch activation Plays pre-recorded messages in a sequence Use for social scripts to increase social interaction,
or to learn auditory 2-switch step scanning Sequencer, Step-by-Step Randomizer - plays pre-recorded messages
randomly
Lite-Tech Communication Systems Multiple Message Communication Devices
Lite-Tech Communication Systems Multiple Message Communication Devices
Plays pre-recorded messages Has 2 or more cells for messages Most devices have multiple levels Overlays required May or may not have scanning capabilities GoTalk, SuperTalker, Communication Builder,
Activity Pad, Flash, Tech/Talk, Cheap Talk
High-Tech Communication Systems - Digitized Speech
High-Tech Communication Systems Digitized Speech Generating Device
Dynavox M3 Dynamic communication device, requires
navigation between “pages” Plays pre-recorded messages Uses words, symbols, photos, visual
scenes
High-Tech Communication Systems
High-Tech Communication Systems
High-Tech Communication Systems
High-Tech Communication Systems Synthesized Speech Generating Device
Dynavox, MyTobii, PRC, Tango Speech engine for text-to-speech production Dynamic communication device requires
navigation between “pages” Plays pre-programmed messages Uses letters, words, symbols, photos, visual
scenes Multiple access methods IR environmental controls
Hand Held Devices iPod, iTouch, iPhone, iPad
Proloquo2go
Proloquo2go
Speaking Images
iConverse
iCommunicate
Switches
Switches Switches are categorized by:
Function Activation site - head, hand, eye,
movement, etc. Amount of movement or pressure required
to activate Assessment with an OT or PT can be very
helpful in determining the correct switch and switch position
Environmental Controls
Environmental Controls SiCare (AbleNet)
Pre-programmed menu structure IR and X-10 interfaces Easy-to-train IR learning Voice training with no computer required Convenient graphic display Auditory and Visual feedback "Direct Learning” infrared for easy programming
with your existing remotes
Environmental Controls Relax (AbleNet)
Controls up to four infrared devices and ten electrical devices with a single switch
Can learn up to ten functions for each device, such as changing channels or volume
Scanning provides auditory and visual feedback with adjustable scan speed
Environmental Controls Power Link 4
Powerful access with six modes of control Accurate programming and data collection like
never before Flexible outlets allow custom positioning of up to
two appliances, activating independently Linkable™ wireless technology for use with
multiple Big or, Jelly Beamer switches Two switch input jacks