Augmentative Communication Evaluations: Simplified Tools and Resources July 12, 2007 Debby McBride, MS, CCC-SLP Libby Rush, MA, CCC-SLP

3 parts – Download all 3 Part I – Assessment Toolkit Equipment List of equipment to use Part II – Assessment Resources Ideas/Resources Symbol examples Templates for Paperwork Part III – Researching Device Choices Templates for Research Funding information

List of equipment to use Part I of 3 parts Assessment Toolkit: List of equipment to use

To give people their VOICE Because we all have something to say! Purpose To give people their VOICE Because we all have something to say! l

What is augmentative /alternative (AAC) communication? Refers to the incorporation of techniques that can be used to help individuals with disabilities in general, as well as to very specialized technologies designed specifically for individuals with significant and severe disabilities. These techniques include, for example, the use of communication symbols, aids, strategies, skills, and devices designed to assist disabled individuals. (Sarah Blackstone; 1986) What is augmentative /alternative communication? ASHA??

Components of a Toolkit for Quality AAC Evaluations Overview of assessment process Assessment of user’s skills Knowledge about AAC tools/devices Decision-making & supporting documentation Environmental /communication partner considerations Evidence based practices l

AAC Evaluations - Challenges Availability of systematic assessment protocols Acquire premade materials/resources (vocabulary, overlays, etc) Not organized / equipment available when needed / working when needed Training Knowledge Experience Keeping up with technology

“Higher Tech” Accessories Laptop computer or tablet computer Touch Screen Switch interface

Assessment – Toolkit approach Hardware /equipment / communication tools to have on hand Simple Tech to the most sophisticated tech Premade materials / resources to have on hand for evaluations Resources to complete paperwork / research devices /trial devices

Today Help you organize what you have Help you decide what to add to your resources Give you additional ideas for premade materials / resources Give you additional resources you can access: CD Web

Resources to assist you: CD Templates (gather and record information) Device information/product flyers Manufacturers / location reps Website resources Examples of materials / resources

Online clinical tools Free trial Resources to help you complete: Device Research Paperwork Demonstration of online tools Lunchtime demonstrations

Toolkit “equipment” Objects, photos, symbols, and overlays Display boards Dry erase board Sequencers Progressive communicators Auditory choice-making communicator or auditor scanning device

Dry Erase Board

Adult objects Ball Fan Dog Sock Jewelry Watch Phone Wallet Umbrella

Juvenile objects Bubbles Large glasses Camera Play dog Puppet Battery operated toy

Symbol Usage COPPS

Object-COPPS-Photo

Symbol Usage Line Drawings Realistic Pictures

Symbol Usage Scenes

Display Boards

Sequencer

Static Display Progressive Communicator

Auditory Choice Making Communicator Auditory Scanning Devices

TOOLKIT – continued Battery adaptor Array of Switches Switch Interface Switch Mounting system Switch activated devices (toy or fan or vibrating Pillow) . . . . .

Switch Activated Devices

Battery Adapter

Array of Switches

Switch Mounting System

Low-tech physical access components Keyguard Pointing light Partner Assisted Scanning Eye gaze Positioning (motor – visual) Navigation

“Higher Tech” Accessories Laptop computer or tablet computer Touch Screen Switch interface

Laptop Computer, Touch Screen and AAC Software

Switch Interface

Combination Software (which makes boards for low-tech & static display – and can be used as dynamic display software) Digitized device Examples Boardmaker Plus + BoardMaker Activity Pad

Boardmaker Activity Pad Printed activities are inserted into SmartPockets that slide easily into the BAP Buttons are assigned and recorded, and everything is saved to a chip on the SmartPocket. SmartPockets can be moved from BAP to BAP Each activity can have up to 32 programmable buttons with minimum four minutes of total recording time per SmartPocket. Activities saved to the SmartPocket, not to BAP Freeform layouts allow buttons to be located almost anywhere, rather than conforming to a set button grid configuration Produced by Mayer Johnson

Free software Manufacturers (examples) PRC Series 5 (Dynavox) SayItSam (Words +) EZ keys (words +) Overboard (GUS) Others ? Power Point (on website resource list) Language Images (make boards on website)