AT RESEARCH PROJECT FOR EDAT 510 SUBMITTED BY SHALU RANA Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices

Overview AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). It provides have difficulty communicating with speech, whether it is some of the time or all of the time. AAC

Overview Forms of AAC is generally divided into two groups known as aided and unaided forms of communication.  Unaided communication system does not involve use of external devices but rather use of the body.  Aided systems use equipment and/or device to provide people with the ability to communicate. AAC communication devices can be high tech (computerized) or low tech (simple).

Costs On average, costs for low tech AAC devices go up to around $250 or less. High tech AAC devices can begin around $2000 but average between $7000- $8000. A team of professionals can assist with issues specific to the system/device prescription, procurement and use.

Features of AAC Systems  Output Features  Access Features  Selection Features  Message Composition Features

Features of AAC Devices Low tech Devices:  Don’t contain computer chips  Can be handmade and low-cost.  Most materials can be obtained from an office supply store.  Examples of low-tech communication include writing, gestures, pointing to letters or words, using laser pointers to point to a communication board. High tech Devices:  Allow the user to communicate using speech output.  Permits the storage and retrieval of electronic messages.  The output can be digitized and/or synthesized.  These devices can be static or dynamic.  Vary in size and portability.

User Characteristics Types of Disabilities  Communication disorder that may be short, or long and may be congenital (present at birth), acquired (occurring later in life), or degenerative (worsening throughout life). Common causes of several expressive communication disorders that may require AAC are people who may have: Cerebral Palsy StrokeMuscular dystrophy Physical Disabilities AutismHead InjuryHuntington's Disease Spinal Cord Injury

Specific Devices

So, which device is better?

Funding Sources Third party funding programs are responsible for all AAC purchases. These include: Medicare  Assistive Technology Law Center, 300 Gateway Center, 401 East State Street, Ithaca, New York,   To qualify, individual must be enrolled in Medicare Part B, live with his/her family, is determined to meet daily functional needs, and AAC is prescribed by individual’s physician. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)  VHA Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Services   To qualify, individual must have a formal evaluation of their cognitive and communication skills by a speech-language pathologist.

Funding Sources Muscular Distrophy Association  Muscular Dystrophy Association – USA National Headquarters, 3300 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 8718  (800)  AAC for students who have a condition covered by MDA, an evaluation recommending a device by a speech-language pathologist, a prescription from the doctor at an MDA clinic, and have been denied coverage by health insurance or have no insurance. Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan   U.S Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street, NW, Washington, DC Special Education & Early Intervention  School system (mandated by IDEA)

Resources

Community and Legislative Support Legal Support: ADA’s Technical Assistance Materials: Effective Communication  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for title II entities (State and local government) and title III entities (business and non profit organizations that serve the public). Covered entities must provide auxiliary aid an services when needed to communicate effectively. The goal is to ensure that communication with people with speech disabilities is equally as effective as communication with people without disabilities.