AAC Assignment

AAC Assignment

After watching the video, I compiled my thoughts and my take away ideas in the wordle below.

What is communication?

Communication is the exchange of information between two (or more people)

I was challenged to compile a list of 20 different ways to communicate. Here is what I came up with. (Note: this was harder than I thought and you will probably notice that I had to get a little creative toward the end..)

1. Verbal-- talking
2. Body language
3. Facial expression
4. Gestures
5. Sign language
6. Writing output
7. Via technology
8. Via interpreter
9. Eye contact
10. Texting
11. Phone (verbally)
12. Braille
13. ACC
14. Pictures
15. Symbols
16. Physical contact/touch
17. Music
18. Laughing
19. Carrier pigeon
20. Sky writing

No matter what the form of communication, the same three components are necessary. Those are a communication partner, common language or communication medium, and joint attention.

What is AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication?

Augmented Alternative Communication is a term that is fairly new to me. Through looking at course notes and doing some independent research, I now have a more comprehensive understanding of not only what it is, but how it is used, and who is (and should be) using it. My knowledge of ACC prior to this assignment was very limited. I knew that there were technologies such as proloquo2go, but I had not seen or used them first hand or even understood how they worked. My initial thoughts about AAC were that it is different forms of communication, mostly different technologies. However, I have come to find out that AAC is all methods of communication (excluding speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. I have found the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website to be helpful in developing a better understanding as it is straightforward, thorough, and informative. The link is posted below.
http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/AAC/#what_is


The Typical AAC User

There is not a "typical" AAC user. There are a wide variety of people that use AAC for different reasons. Basically, any child (or person) whose communication is limited and whose speech is not meeting their communication needs.

This often can be: students with CP or other sever physical challenges, children on the autism spectrum, children who are deaf or blind, children who are developmentally delayed, peopel who have or are recovering from a brain injury.


DIFFERENT AAC
Below are a sample of some of the different types of AAC devices I came across in my research. They range from low to high tech.

Sign language

 

WHAT: sign language
FOR WHO: deaf/hearing impaired

Paper and pencil or whiteboard and marker

 

WHAT: writing tools for communication

FOR:quick communication for those with good/strong motor skills but difficulties with speech

WHAT: 20 mini-communication boards held together on an "O" ring.

FOR: students

PECS board

WHAT: series of pictures to communicate wants and needs
FOR WHO:usually for students on the autism spectrum; however, it can also be used with students who have other cognitive and/or speech difficulties.

Medium 

LITTLEmack Communicator

WHAT: A switch that records up to two minutes 
FOR WHO: those with motor, visual or cognitive impairments

GoTalk

WHAT: lightweight and portable communication tool that can be programed specifically for the user

FOR: beginning AAC users

AT24 Talker

WHAT: handheld, portable communication device that can be activated with just one thumb.
FOR: Beginning ACC tool for students with autism or speech and/or communication difficulties


iPod

WHAT: device that is portable and has the capabilities to run uncountable ACC programs

FOR: Everyone!

iPad

WHAT: device that is portable and has the capabilities to run uncountable ACC programs
FOR: EVERYONE

Dynavox

WHAT: high tech communication system for nonverbal individuals
FOR: cerebral palsy, autism, ALS, intellectual disability, stroke, aphasia

Below are two great videos about successful implementation of AAC. The first is of a young boy with downs syndrome and the second is an adult who now uses dynavox after suffering from a stroke while driving. It's amazing to see how these technologies can change lives and give independence. Enjoy!