1. Assitive Technology Review: Augmentative/Alternative Communication Devices By Terrence R. Bomar

2. What are they used for?  Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a term used to describe items that are used to help a person communicate when their spoken to through pictures, symbols, or printed words.  There are numerous items that can be used to increase or “augment” a individuals ability to communicate.

3. How are they used?  An individual inputs phrases, pressing a key/icon, which activates the device’s speech capabilities; giving out digitalized speech sounds.  Vocabulary sets are programmed into these devices and are set up based to an individuals educational and communicative needs.  Many AAC devices vary from the use of pictures to being portable as well.

4. What else are they used for?  AAC devices can also be used to: Write Papers Take Notes Complete Exams Browse the Internet

5. Examples of Mid/High Tech AAC Devices Vociepal Max  Enables people who can not speak to communicate with others.  Messages can be played back by direct selection using the onboard keyboard. Has external jacks.  $474.00 - $525.00  Technology for Education, Inc. 1870 50th Street E, Suite 7 Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077 Toll Free: 1-800-370-0047 Phone: 651-457-1917 Fax: 651-457-3534 Website: http://www.tfeinc.com Technology for Education, Inc. Chat Line Direct  Relays a message for the non-speaking user.  Programmable message chips play 5 second message when corresponding button is pressed. Yellow, red, green, and orange buttons can also be utilized with switches.  $150.00  Flaghouse Inc. 601 Flaghouse Dr. Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604-3116 Toll Free: 800-793-7900 Phone: 201-288-7600 Fax: 800-793-7922 Website: http://www.flaghouse.com Flaghouse Inc.

6. When are they used?  An individual should be considered for a augmentative communication when: 1. There is a difference between an individuals comprehension of language and their ability to communicate. 2. There is a delayed use of language that interferes with the individuals communicational skills. 3. The individuals speech is incomprehensive to their peers.

7. AAC Video Clip!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1QIhWa_ 4_A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1QIhWa_ 4_A

8. Additional Information  In the school setting, the first place to look for devices is the district’s Speech/Language Pathologist.  If not there, a SLP or Assistive Technology Consultant can help determining what specific device will augment the students skills.  Helpful Websites:  http://aac.unl.edu http://aac.unl.edu  www.aacintervention.com www.aacintervention.com  www.lburkhart.com www.lburkhart.com  www.dotolearn.com www.dotolearn.com

9. Work Cited  www.assistive.net. National Public Website on Assistive Technology. Retrieved on September 25, 2008. www.assistive.net  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1QIhWa_4_A. YouTube.com. Retrieved on September 25 th, 2008. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1QIhWa_4_A  Reed, P. & Laham, E. (2005) Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (general addition).  Salend, S. (2008) Creating Inclusive Classrooms: Effective and Reflective Practices; Sixth Edition. Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ.