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

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

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

Speaking Images

iConverse

iCommunicate

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

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