1. AAC Evaluations: Tools for the Road:
Debby McBride, MS, CCC-SLP
Elizabeth (Libby) S. Rush, MA, CCC-SLP, CPM

2. Overview of the process
Do the assessment – determine user’s skills
Summarize assessment
Research devices (optional)
Trial devices (as appropriate)
Consider other factors / needs (Environmental /clinical considerations, etc.)
Final recommendations / report
Funding paperwork as required d

3. “Assistants” to help you
Add to what you have
Low tech tools
Light tech tools with some simple voice output
High tech tools to emulate communication devices d

4. What you can get - - - List of toolkit items – on CD
Examples of templates used to gather, record findings, write reports, etc
List of additional resources
Manufacturers
AAC devices / tools
Website resources

5. Low-tech symbols
objects
photos
COPPS
pictures
overlays
visual scenes

6. Display boards
Dry erase board
Paper – Augmentative Resources

7. Dry Erase Board

8. Symbol Usage COPPS
COPPS

9. Symbol Diagnostic Materials
Children, adolescents and/or adults may need items that are both juvenile and adult-like, if accurate estimates of abilities are to be determined.
A Diagnostic Toolkit

10. Toddler Vocabulary Arranged by Frequency
These twenty-six core words comprise 96.3% of the total words used by toddlers.
Attempting to assess potential use of AAC with these words is difficult due to difficulty portraying in graphic form

11. 20 Fundamental Words for Assessment Emerging Vocabulary or Vocabulary for ADL’s
Eat
Drink
Bathroom
Music
Dog
Ball (play)
Read (book)
Playdough
Bubbles
Jewelry
Money
Help
All done
Want
Mine
More
Stop Go
Work
Television (watch)

12. Symbol Sizes for Kit PHOTOS SYMBOLS ¾” X ¾’ ½” X ½” 1’ X 1” 1” X 1”