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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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??

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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

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

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

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

14. Dry Erase Board

15. Adult objects
Ball
Fan
Dog
Sock
Jewelry
Watch
Phone
Wallet
Umbrella

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

17. Symbol Usage COPPS

18. Object-COPPS-Photo

19. Symbol Usage
Line Drawings
Realistic Pictures

20. Symbol Usage
Scenes

21. Display Boards

22. Sequencer

23. Static Display Progressive Communicator

24. Auditory Choice Making Communicator Auditory Scanning Devices

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

26. Switch Activated Devices

27. Battery Adapter

28. Array of Switches

29. Switch Mounting System

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

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

32. Laptop Computer, Touch Screen and AAC Software

33. Switch Interface

34. 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

35. 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

36. 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)