Augmentative and Alternative Communication - PRAXIS

AAC

compensates and facilitates communication; zero exclusion (i.e., no cognitive prerequisites)

Aided AAC

External Aid: communication board, books, voice output device

Unaided AAC

produced by the body: vocalizations, gestures, signs

Low teach

communication board; BigMack

Mid Tech

AMDI Tech Speak; NovaChat (simple voice output devices that store a limited number of messages, battery powered)

High tech

Dynavox T10; PRC Accent series (speech-generating computers/tablests)

Primary components of AAC:symbols

real objects, photos, pictures, drawings, orthography

Primary components of AAC: aids

devices used to transmit or receive messages

Primary Components of AAC: Strategies

most efficient and effective ways to convey symbols

Primary components of AAC: Techniques

how messages are physically transmitted (e.g., scanning)

Access methods and switches: Direct Selection

touch with finger, pointer, elegize, etc

Access methods and switches: Indirect Selection

array in scanned, user activates switch when lit or heard

Individualized Vocabulary: Core Vocabulary

common words to age matched peers, used across all communication environments/situations

Individualized Vocabulary: Fringe Vocabulary

specific and unique vocabulary based on AAC user, allow expression of ideas, mostly nouns

Display types: Static

fixed symbols (particular location), typical in low tech

Display types: Dynamic

electronic visual symbols, computer screen display

Display types: Visual Scene

picture/photo that represent a situation/experience, within scene