SLP 472 Ch. 7 & 8 Quiz

Direct select

i. Type of access technique

ii. Visual and motor capabilities are the most critical in a direct selection display

iii. Selecting the desired representation directly from the selection set by physical contact, applying physical pressure or depression, or pointing with a body part or some type of equipment or extender controlled by a body part.

iv. Finger pointing or touching is the most common direct select method

v. Ex. eye gaze, optical or light-generating technology mounted on the head some way

Indirect select

i. Type of access technique where the individual selects a specific target given a set of choices

Ex. Visual/auditory/partner-assisted scanning

Dwell time

i. Requires one to identify an item on the display in some way (e.g., through physical contact, by shinning a light or a laser beam, by directing one's eye gaze) and then sustain the contact (or dwell on the location) for a predetermined period of time in order for the selection to recognized by the technology

ii. Dwell time can be adjusted to accommodate individual abilities and situations

Scanning

i. Type of access technique

ii. AAC user must wait while the facilitator or electronic technology scans through undesired representations before reaching the item of choice. At this point, the person who relies on AAC indicates in some way that the desired item has been presented

EX. 3 primary scanning patterns: Circular, Linear, & group item scanning

Selection set

i. Includes the visual, auditory, or tactile presentation of all messages, symbols, photographs, and codes that are available at one time to a person who relies on AAC

ii. Selection sets can be displayed:

1. fixed displays: refers to any AAC display in which the symbols and representations are fixed in a particular location

2. dynamic displays: refers to computer screen displays that can be changed to a new set of symbols

3. hybrid fixed displays: refers to electronic fixed displays with a dynamic component

EX. selection set of visual displays may be presented auditory or tactually

EX. selection set of tactile displays are composed of tactile representations through the use of real or partial objects, textures, shapes, or raised dots

Fixed display (static displays):

-AAC display in which the symbols and representations are fixed in a particular location

-Typically used in low-tech communication boards as well as in some AAC technologies

- Ex. a communication book in which symbols are arranged topically on pages

Dynamic Display

-Refers to computer screen displays that can be changed to a new set of symbols

-Requires some way to navigate between the different displays either a separate menu page or navigation bar

How do fixed and dynamic displays differ?

Dynamic displays can be presented on either a high-tech or low-tech system.

Low-tech system

-Dynamic displays can be displayed in a communication book as Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display (PODD):

-Incorporates navigational strategies, pragmatic starters, and symbols for conversational repair on the side of each page

-Each page has predictable associated vocabulary

-Each icon on the page has a page number & color that corresponds to another page in the book

-each page has color coded tab to help with easy access

High-tech systems

-On a tablet there is a home page or menu page with different icons

-User can navigate to a new display by pressing on an icon

-Or a navigation bar remains on the display at all times while the main AAC display changes

How do high tech and low tech systems interact with dynamic displays?

Directed scanning

1. the indicator or cursor begins to move when the person activates (e.g., holds down) a switch of some type.

2. As along as the switch is activated, the indicator moves through the preset scanning pattern (e.g., circular, row-column)

3. The selection is made when the switch is released by the individual

4. Useful for people who have difficulty activating switches but who can sustain activation once it occurs and can release the switch accurately

Automatic scanning:

1. The movement of the indicator or cursor is automatic and continuous, according to a preset pattern (e.g., circular, linear, row-column)

2. To make a selection, the person activates a switch to stop the indicator at the group or item of choice

3. Useful for people who are able to activate a switch accurately but who have difficulty sustaining activation or releasing the switch

Differentiate between directed scanning and automatic scanning?

Access method is a critical feature when designing AAC systems because

-communication is based on the selection of one or more types of symbols or images used alone or in combination to express messages.

-In natural speech, a person produces messages by combing specific sounds.

-Those who used aided AAC have to access (select) target representations

Why is access method a critical feature when designing AAC systems

Complex communication needs

significant speech, language, motor &/or cognitive impairments that prevent individuals from communicating in conventional ways; exist when individuals' communication needs do not match their current communication abilities

AT & AAC

AAC trials

- includes conducting trials of the AAC options identified during feature matching to determine which ones are the best fit to the AAC user

- Once the trail with first AAC system is completed, additional trails may be conducted as required to compare AAC systems and determine the best fit

- During the trails of potential AAC systems, the AAC team collects data on the individual's communication performance, as well as the preferences and overall satisfaction of the individual, family, and communication partners

- These trials are especially important when AAC technology is recommended since the data may be required by the funding agency to establish the benefit.

Environmental supports

Any policy, practice, attitude, knowledge, or skill supports that can be leveraged to enhance communication

Ex: Some families may be tech-savvy and have substantial experience with a range of applications. Ex: Some school districts may have skilled technology consultants on staff to support classroom personnel with implementation of AAC technology.

Environmental constraints

Any policy, practice, attitude, knowledge, or skill supports that may place constraints on the selection of AAC supports

Ex: Some may live in situations where they face constant staff turnover and staff have limited knowledge and skill with AAC

Ex: Some families may live in poverty; they may have limited access to services and few financial resources

Feature matching

A collaborative process that involves the application of AAC expertise to match AAC options that offer the required features to the needs, capabilities, and preferences of the individual who requires AAC. Feature matching process results in several AAC options.

Activity displays

- Symbols are organized according to event schema within the individual's day

- Each display contains vocabulary items (e.g., people, actions, objects, places, descriptors) that are relevant to the activity or to certain subroutines within the activity

- Used for predictable activities

- Can be made readily available in specific locations

- Substantial flexibility for individuals that use AAC and their partners

What are examples of data that would be important to collect for AAC trials?

- Data on the individual's communication performance, as well as the preferences and overall satisfaction of the individual, family, and communication partners

- Performance measures: data on the frequency of use, accuracy of use, effectiveness of communication, efficiency of communication, level of participation, and fatigue or workload during communicative interactions

How do AAC system decisions interact with culture?

- Sometimes, the beliefs held by an individual are problematic, at other times, the culture of a service delivery agency, community organization, or school system acts as a barrier.

- Some cultures may not believe in AAC and refuse an AAC option (barrier)

- Culture influences vocabulary selection

- Culture influences who will be the AAC user's communication partner

Why is it important to involve the individual who relies on AAC, family members, and other important partners in the design of AAC systems?

- AAC systems that are a poor fit may impose additional learning demands, negatively impacting communication

- If AAC systems are a poor fit, individuals with CCNs and their communication partners will find them difficult to use and abandon AAC

- AAC systems should be selected and personalized to meet the unique needs, capabilities, experiences, interests, and identity of the AAC user.

- Considering the individual, family members, and communication partner's preferences may help accelerate learning, bolster greater proficiency, support more consistent long-term use, and promote self-determination for individuals who rely on AAC