1. Ways of Augmenting Communication through Technology KEYCOMM-Lothian Communication Technology Service

2. Aim of AAC To help individuals with severe communication impairment make use of a range of strategies to enhance their communication ability

3. Functional Communication Use of effective communication in everyday contexts Being able to participate in everyday activities Fostering independence and autonomy

4. People who can benefit People with Severe Communication Impairment secondary to: Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Stroke, Acquired Brain Injury, Developmental Delay, Learning Disabilities, Parkinson’s Disease, Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis

5. Basic Principles Communication disability has a profound impact on social welfare, health, education and employment Technology can improve the life of an individual Support is essential to families, users and carers Joint decision making

6. We all communicate in many different ways Each individual needs a range of communication strategies at their disposal Speech, gesture, signs, drawing, communication board, voice output communication aid

7. Main objective-4 I’s Interactive Included Integrated Involved IN COMMUNICATION and DAILY ACTIVITIES

8. Any strategy or system must: Be flexible to accommodate changing needs. May need different types of AAC in different phases of recovery Allow for participation and control

9. Team working The team works collaboratively Joint assessments Joint working with outside agencies User and family are key

10. Types of Communication Face to face communication Non face to face including telephone, intercom and door entry system, email Controlling environment

11. Low tech communication aids

13. Medium tech communication aids allow for choice making

14. High tech communication aids

15. Switches Range of switches Pressing or squeezing Can be operated by movement or sound Activated by any part of body

16. Non face to face communication Door entry system Telephone Intercom Internet and email

20. Controlling your environment Buzzer system getting attention Any mains appliance through power link Lights, television, CD player Alarm system

21. Simple Environmental Control

22. Alarm System

23. What to do… Contact AAC service in your area or Scottish service Request AAC assessment Will the user benefit from use of technology to improve communication, participation, control?

24. Support Training Communication Environment Communication Partner Opportunities for communication

25. Main aim is to make sure individual is able to… Participate Feel included Access daily activities including education,leisure and work Be as independent as possible Communication is vital!

26. KEYCOMM- Lothian Communication Technology Service 40 Broomhouse Crescent Edinburgh EH11 3UB 0131-443-6775 deborah.jans@educ.edin.gov.uk