1. Communication and Augmentative and Alternative Communication Supports

2. What is AAC? “Any device, system, or method that improves the ability of a child with a communication impairment to communicate effectively” YAACK

3. Unaided Communication Any means of communication that uses one’s body Gestures Facial expressions Eye gaze Vocalizations Sign language

4. Aided Communication Any means of communication outside of one’s body Pictures Symbols Printed words on paper AAC devices Aided AAC can be further divided Low tech Mid tech High tech

5. Low Tech AAC Involve no electricity Simplest and most often the least expensive tools Easily made and quickly accessed Can be used as a primary or secondary means of communication

6. Mid Tech AAC 1-4 messages Battery powered Recorded speech output Options to use objects, photographs, or pictures Take or Place N’ Talk Enabling Devices BIGmack Communicator AbleNet Talkable Enabling Devices

7. Mid Tech AAC Greater number of messages Battery powered Recorded speech output Ability to have messages on multiple levels May have alternative modes of access – visual and scanning Tech Talk AMDI GoTalk Attainment Turn N’ Talk Frame Technologies

8. High Tech AAC Dedicated AAC devices Computer based features Preprogrammed communication software Requires access to electricity Dynamic display feature Springboard Lite Prentke-Romach M3 Dynavox Tango BlinkTwice

9. High Tech AAC Non-dedicated AAC Computer based features Word processing Educational software Internet connection Communication software Examples: Laptop computers Tablet PC’s PDA’s The ‘V’ DynaVox Chat PC3 Satillo Say It Sam Words+ Mercury Assistive Technology

10. AAC Device Trials Describe the features needed for a communication tool across all instructional environments Explore all potential solutions Collect performance data on each tool Performance data supports or disproves solutions tried Performance data evaluates outcomes and measures student performance toward goals

11. Michigan Integrated Technology Supports (MITS)(MITS) Located at Central Michigan University Supports a lending library of AAC devices 6 week loan cycle Email or call for information on: Wait time for loan Available items and new items in library

12. What About Medicaid? AAC assessment - Department of Communication Disorders at CMU Fill out a pre-assessment form Student, parents, SLP, teacher attend evaluation Assessments are done on Wednesday’s 2-3 hours trying different devices CMU will generate an AAC report for Medicaid Medicaid will replace a device every 3 years for people under 26 Be persistent – it takes up to a year for approval

13. www.livingstonesa.org