AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) refers to methods of communication other than speech that are used to supplement or replace spoken language. This may include gestures, sign language, picture symbols, letter boards, and speech-generating devices. AAC is used by those with disabilities or impairments that impact their ability to communicate verbally. Effective AAC requires considering the individual's needs, abilities, environments, and interaction partners to promote meaningful communication and participation.

1. AAC Augmentative And Alternative Communication Bonnie Young Wendy Homlish AT Consultants – CLIU 21

2. What is AAC? Used to describe communication modes other than verbal speech Sign language Gestures Alphabet systems Symbol or picture systems

3. AAC is… Aided or unaided communication modes used as a supplement to or as an alternative to oral language, including gestures, sign language, picture symbols, the alphabet, and computers with synthetic speech.

4. Augmentative Communication Any approach designed to enhance an individual’s already existing speaking skills. Not designed to replace existing communication abilities, but rather to support them.

5. Alternative Communication Those communication approaches that are an individual’s primary means of communication. Utilized when an individual possesses no oral communication abilities.

6. AAC System An integrated group of components, including the symbols, aids, strategies, and techniques used by individuals to enhance communication

7. Candidates for AAC Congenital disabilities CP Autism Mental retardation Developmental apraxia Sensory impairments Acquired neurogenic disorders Progressive disabilities Temporary structural changes

8. Symbol Methods used for visual, auditory, and/or tactile representation of conventional concepts Can be gestures, photographs, manual sign sets/systems, printed words, objects, spoken words, Braille

9. Aid A physical object or device used to transmit or receive messages Can include communication book, board, chart, mechanical or electronic device, computer

10. Strategy Specific way of using AAC aids, symbols, and/or techniques more effectively for enhanced communication. A plan that can facilitate one’s performance

11. Technique A method of transmitting messages Linear scanning, encoding, signing, natural gesturing, direct selection

14. Output The information AAC users transmit to communication partners Synthesized speech (computerized) Digitized speech (recorded) Hard copy print Computer screen messages

15. Array An organized display of symbols, pictures, letters, or other information on an AT device; often in a row-column matrix

16. Selection Techniques Direct Selection Touching, pointing, headsticks, eye gaze Scanning Circular, linear, group-item

17. Central Goal of AAC To communicate messages so users can interact in conversations Participate at school, home, work, recreational activities Establish and maintain social roles Meet personal needs

18. Purpose of Communicative Interaction Communication of needs and wants Information transfer Social closeness Social etiquette Janice Light, 1988

19. Message Selection Learning to Communicate vs. Communicating to Learn Factors to be considered Environments Gender Age Cognitive/linguistic levels Activities/involvement level Cultural issues

20. Messages Should Be… Age appropriate Fun and motivating Purposeful and meaningful Natural and useful to the activity Promote active and natural participation in the activity Generic and reusable

21. Messages… Promote communication – not activity sequencing skills Have high frequency of occurrence Driven by the individual Continually updated and revised

22. Participation Model Academic Participation Competitive Active Involved None

23. How do we know which is best? Feature match Team involvement SETT Framework

24. Fixed Display Symbols and items on board are in a fixed location Number of items varies Must typically use a variety of fixed displays to accommodate communication needs Compensate for limitations with levels, encoding

25. Dynamic Displays Computer screens with visual symbols that , when activated, automatically change the screen to a new set of symbols

26. Including the Student Who Uses AAC Structure the environment to support communication Proper positioning Access to AAC Access to partners Involvement in motivating activities Respond to the individual’s communication attempts Confirm the intended message

27. Including the Student… Ensure shared focus of attention Provide opportunities for communication Wait and provide enough time to communicate Model appropriate use of AAC

28. No Tech Solutions (Unaided) Gestures Body language Eye gaze Manual signing

29. Low Tech Solutions Manual communication board/book Single message vocal output communication devices PECS vs. PCS

30. Mid-Tech Solutions Multiple message vocal output communication systems, including: TechTalk Message Mate Speak Easy

31. High Tech Solutions Dynavox products (DV4, MT4, MightyMo) Dynamic display Categorical Dynasyms vs. PCS Pathfinder/Vanguard/ Vantage Fixed/Dynamic Display Semantic Compaction - MinSpeak

32. Remember: “ Incidental teaching episodes are brief, positive, and oriented towards COMMUNICATION rather than language-teaching, per se.”

33. Partner Characteristics Communication Interaction Style Adults Tend to dominate the interactions Preempt the student’s or young child’s turn Don’t give students or young children time to formulate messages Often fail to respond to student’s or young child’s initiations Often anticipate the student’s or young child’s needs and thoughts, making it unnecessary for them to communicate

34. Solutions Understand how partners can facilitate the effective use of communication through the use of: environmentally-based cues a unique, least-to-most prompt hierarchy the use of appropriate descriptive feedback

35. The Prompt Hierarchy 1. Pause 2. Open Question 3a. Partial Prompt 3b. Request for Communication (Mand) 4. Full Model * Descriptive Feedback

36. “ Communicative competence is about people. It is not about computer technology, or AAC systems. Technology is just the tool , it is the people and the interactions between them that must be our main focus.” Janice Light