1. Intro to AAC

2. Frequently Asked Questions…
“What is AAC?”

3. “What is AAC?” Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Supplementing or replacing natural speech with symbols.
Beukelman & Mirenda, 1998; Glennen & DeCoste, 1997; Lloyd, Fuller, & Arvidson, 1997.

4. Frequently Asked Questions…
“Who might use AAC?”

5. “Who might use AAC?”
Those that have not acquired functional spoken language or have lost language
Congenital and developmental disabilities
Acquired disabilities
Progressive conditions
Temporary needs
ANYONE WITH AN UNMET COMMUNICATION NEED!

6. Frequently Asked Questions…
“Why use AAC?”

7. “Why use AAC?” To increase communication
To increase receptive language (vocabulary and syntax)
To increase speech
To improve behavior
To increase participation
To demonstrate knowledge
To improve literacy skills

8. Frequently Asked Questions…
“Will the use of AAC stop my client from speaking?”

9. “Will the use of AAC stop my client from speaking?”
No. Research has shown that it INCREASES the development of speech.
Why?
Takes the pressure off
Consistent auditory model to imitate
Visual representation of language
Success with communication

10. Frequently Asked Questions…
“Does there need to be a gap between receptive and expressive language?”

11. “Does there need to be a gap between receptive and expressive language
No. AAC strategies can be utilized to teach receptive language.
Historically there was the Candidacy Model based on prerequisites; needed to demonstrate a skill prior to being given the opportunity use AAC strategies and technology
Now Participation Model is utilized – based on unmet communication needs

12. Frequently Asked Questions…
“When do I explore the use of AAC?”

13. “When do I explore the use of AAC?”
Ask yourself, “Does my client have a functional means to communicate?”
If the answer is no, explore the use of AAC.
Keep in mind, working on speech and AAC are not mutually exclusive. You can work on both simultaneously.
Use AAC to provide your patient with a means to communicate while continuing to work on developing speech.

14. Frequently Asked Questions…
“What is the timeline for using a speech generating device?”

15. “What is the timeline for using a speech generating device?”
It depends on the individual.
Some individuals may need to rely on a speech generating device for their entire life.
Some rely on it as a primary means of communication, others only use it as a tool during communication breakdowns
Others use is as a tool to develop their speech and language and eventually no longer need to rely on it.

16. Frequently Asked Questions…
“Should I work on responding to yes/no questions?”

17. “Should I work on responding to yes/no questions?”
Be cognizant of a patient’s receptive language skills.
Children need to have the receptive language to understand the question they are being asked.
Yes and No

18. Frequently Asked Questions…
“Should we use sign language?”

19. “Should we use sign language?”
Sign language is an efficient and functional means of communication.
It is limiting, in that, communication can only occur with other people who know sign language.
Other strategies should be used in conjunction with sign language.

20. Frequently Asked Questions…
“Can I use my iPad?”

21. “Can I use my iPad?”
The iPad can be a highly functional tool. However, an assessment needs to occur to determine the child’s understanding of and ability to use visual representations paired with voice output as a functional means of communication.

22. Video
What clients want YOU to know as a new clinician…

23. State of the Field: AAC
An estimated 25% of children who would benefit from AAC do not have access. Of those that do have AAC systems, an estimated 75% of them have been reported abandoned in their first year of use (Desch et al., 2008). Children, without the ability to produce natural speech or access to AAC are at risk for developmental delays or the exacerbation of existing disabling conditions (Whitehead, 1992). An estimated 40% to 60% of children with disabilities affecting their speech and language development do not receive treatment before entering school (Law, Boyle, Harris, Harkness, Nye, 1998).

24. Resources
Beukelman & Mirenda, 1998; Glennen & DeCoste, 1997; Lloyd, Fuller, & Arvidson, Additional powerpoint content shared by Children’s CO, AAC Team