AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION SLA G304 Kim Ho, PhD CCC-SLP Course Overview and Introduction

Overview Introduction Syllabus Lecture/discussion In-class simulation

Some Terminology AAC – Augmentative – Alternative Symbols – Aided – Unaided Multimodal communication Strategy Technique

Who Uses AAC? Congenital disabilities Acquired disabilities Temporary needs Prevalence

Purposes of Communication Wants and needs Information transfer Social closeness Social etiquette

Wants and Needs Goal: regulate behavior Examples Characteristics: – Content, accuracy and rate important – Vocabulary predictable and concrete – Most often seen – Communicative independence important

Information Transfer Goal: share information Examples Characteristics: – Content of message is also important – Vocabulary not as predictable; Novel words – More difficult to convey – Accuracy and rate

Social Closeness Goal: establishing, maintaining and developing personal relationships Examples Characteristics: – Content not important; Interaction – Rate, accuracy, and content secondary – Independence not as important

Social Etiquette Goal: conform to social conventions Examples Characteristics: – Interactions often brief – Vocabulary is predictable – Rate, accuracy and independence important

Which Purpose of Communication Is Most Important to You? Rate 1-4

Importance of Social Closeness Research limitations Challenge of vocabulary Bulk of communication User/family needs

Competent Communicators Can: Transmit messages efficiently and effectively Portray a positive self-image Show interest in others Actively participate Responsive to partners Put partners at ease

Simulation Activity CONTEXT #1: having a conversation with your friends - what happened over the weekend? (Partner fills out questionnaire with group’s help) CONTEXT #2: conducting a transaction in the community (fill out as a group)