Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

What does AAC stand for?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

What are the two main types of AAC?

1. No tech (unaided AAC)

2. Low-tech (aided AAC)

What are examples of no-tech (unaided AAC) methods?

Gestures, facial expressions, eye gaze, vocalization, responses to yes/no question

What is unaided AAC?

Communication methods that do not require external tools or devices

What are low-tech (aided AAC) methods?

Methods that use simple tools or materials such as writing boards or communication charts, but no electronic devices

If a person can write, what type of AAC method can they use?

Handwriting using paper, pencil, or a dry-erase board (low-tech AAC)

If a person cannot write, what AAC can they use?

Communication charts (alphabet boards or picture boards), finger pointing, pointer, eye gaze, and partner scanning

What is a fixed eye-gaze for people with AAC?

E-tran board, a fixed transparent board used for selecting messages using eye gaze

What is a dynamic eye-gaze for people with AAC?

Eye-linking, a method that involves coordinated eye movements between the user and partner to select items

What is an eye blinking encoding system?

Where specific eye blinks correspond to letters, words, or responses

What AAC strategies can help a person with dysarthria?

Topic cue or initial letter cue

What medical condition does Mr. Takahashi have?

ALS

When was Mr. Takahashi diagnosed with ALS?

July of 2023

What are Mr. Takahashi’s speech intelligibility levels with familiar listeners?

80%

What are Mr. Takahashi’s speech intelligibility levels with unfamiliar listeners?

50%

What kind of physical symptoms does Mr. Takahashi show besides speech changes?

Mild weakness in both his upper and lower limbs

What type of AAC does Mr. Takahashi primarily use?

No-tech AAC methods

What specific unaided AAC methods does Mr. Takahashi use?

Vocalization and eye gaze

Why is no-tech AAC appropriate for Mr. Takahashi?

Because he retains some speech and eye-movement control, allowing him to communicate through vocalizations and eye gaze without extra equipment

What early life factor contributed to Andy’s condition?

He was born prematurely

What is Andy’s diagnosis?

Moderate intellectual disability

When did Andy begin using spoken language?

Around 2 years old

What kind of communication output has Andy developed now?

Written output

What AAC method does Andy use most frequently?

Expressive and communicative gestures (unaided AAC)

Why are gestures an appropriate AAC choice for Andy?

They enhance his expressive communication in a way that matches his developmental level and abilities without needing extra tools