Week 9:Augmentative and Alternative Communication

What is Assistive Technology (AT)?

Any item or equipment used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional abilities of individuals with disabilities

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?

A clinical practice area that supports or compensates for impairments in speech-language production or comprehension

What is the difference between augmentative and alternative communication?

Augmentative communication supplements existing speech, while alternative communication replaces speech when it is absent or nonfunctional

What is the difference between aided and unaided AAC systems?

Unaided AAC uses only the person's body, while aided AAC uses external tools or devices

What are examples of unaided AAC systems?

Gestures, facial expressions, body movements, and sign language

What are examples of aided AAC systems?

Communication boards, picture systems, and speech-generating devices

What are the levels of aided AAC systems?

Low-tech, mid-tech, and high-tech systems

What is the role of OT in AAC intervention?

To address positioning, motor access, sensory needs, environmental setup, and participation with the AAC system

What is the OT's role in AAC assessment?

To evaluate physical abilities, sensory needs, positioning, access methods, and functional use of the system

What is the ultimate goal of AAC intervention?

To support communication, participation, independence, and engagement in meaningful activities

What is a keyguard and why is it useful?

A physical overlay that helps isolate targets and reduce accidental selections for individuals with motor difficulties

What are core words in AAC?

Frequently used words that apply across many environments and communication situations

What is fringe vocabulary in AAC?

Words that are specific to the individual's needs, interests, people, or activities

What are the three common vocabulary organization strategies in AAC?

Grid displays, visual scene displays, and spelling-based systems with word prediction

What is a grid display in AAC?

A layout where symbols are organized by categories or language systems

What is a visual scene display in AAC?

A display that organizes vocabulary around a specific context, activity, or environment

What is the purpose of word prediction in AAC?

To increase communication rate by reducing the number of selections needed

How much slower is AAC communication compared to spoken communication?

Approximately 15-25 times slower

What are important considerations when selecting an AAC system?

Communication needs, motor abilities, sensory abilities, cognition, language skills, environments, and communication partners

What is the difference between direct selection and scanning?

Direct selection involves choosing a symbol directly, while scanning involves selecting from options presented sequentially

What is eye gaze technology in AAC?

A direct selection method where a camera tracks eye movement to select symbols

What is scanning technology in AAC?

An indirect selection method where the user activates a switch to choose from items presented by the device

What factors should be considered when choosing an AAC access method?

Motor control, vision, endurance, accuracy, speed, and individual preferences

What is timed activation?

A selection method requiring the user to maintain contact for a set amount of time before activation

What is release activation?

A selection method where the item is selected when contact is released

What is a Speech Generating Device (SGD)?

An electronic AAC device that produces spoken output based on user selections

What is feature matching in AAC assessment?

Matching an individual's abilities and needs with the features of an appropriate AAC system

What is mounting and why is it important for AAC?

Securing the AAC device in an optimal position to allow consistent access and use

What are the major skill areas considered during an AAC assessment?

Speech, sensory abilities, motor skills, communication, language/literacy, and cognition

What is the difference between fixed and dynamic AAC displays?

Fixed displays have consistent symbol locations, while dynamic displays change based on selections