Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) involves supplemental or replacement systems to aid individuals with speech, language, or writing impairments. AAC can be aided through devices or unaided. It benefits those with conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, stroke, or traumatic brain injury by providing independence, control, inclusion, participation, and achievement. An evaluation assesses client goals, abilities, and environment to determine appropriate low- or high-tech AAC systems, displays, access methods, and message types. Funding may come from sources like Medicare, Medicaid, or vocational rehabilitation. Adaptive computer access technologies can benefit those with visual, physical, or cognitive disabilities through software for screen access, writing, or prediction

1. Computer Access and
Augmentative Communication

2. What is Augmentative and
Alternative Communication (AAC)?
the supplementation or replacement of
speech and/or writing
– Aided communication
– Unaided communication

3. Who uses AAC?
Individuals with:
• Cerebral palsy
• Autism
• Developmental
apraxia of speech
• Mental retardation
• Amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Traumatic brain injury
• Stroke

4. Benefits of AAC…
• Independence
• Control
• Social Inclusion
• Community Participation
• Employment
• Academic achievement

5. AAC Evaluation
• Multidisciplinary
Team
• Client’s goals and
objectives
• Client’s functional
abilities
• Family/Caregiver

6. AAC Systems
• Low Tech
– Alphabet boards
– Topic boards
– Tech/Four
– Partner/Four
– Tech/Talk
– Tech/Speak
– Leo
– Go Talk
• High Tech
– DV4
– MT4
– DynaWrite
– Pathfinder
– Vantage
– Vanguard
– Mini Merc
– Tech Touch

7. Types of Displays
• Fixed
• Dynamic

8. Access Considerations
• Direct select
– Touch
– Eye gaze
– Infrared
• Scanning

9. Messages
• Single word
• Phrases
• Sentences
• Pre-stored message

10. Funding
• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Private insurance
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Local Education Agency

11. Who benefits from adaptive
computer access technologies?
• Individuals with Visual Disabilities
• Individuals with Physical Disabilities
• Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities

12. Things to Consider
• What is the expected outcome of using AT?
• What is the individual’s view of using the
recommended AT?
• What is the individual’s level of computer literacy?
• How will training be provided for the AT?
• What environment is the AT going to be used in?

13. Areas of AT:
Technology for Vision Impairments
The exploration of solutions for theThe exploration of solutions for the
individual's needs utilizing an arrayindividual's needs utilizing an array
of state-of-the-art devices andof state-of-the-art devices and
software applications.software applications.

14. Areas of AT:
Technology for Vision Impairments
Adaptive technologiesAdaptive technologies
range from hand heldrange from hand held
magnifiers and electronicmagnifiers and electronic
magnification systems tomagnification systems to
computer software thatcomputer software that
produces auditory andproduces auditory and
tactile outputs for the texttactile outputs for the text
displayed on a computerdisplayed on a computer
monitor.monitor.

15. Areas of AT:
Technology for Vision Impairments

16. Computer Software
Visual Disabilities
• Screen magnification
• Examples: Zoom Text, MAGic, Lunar Screen Magnifier
• Screen reading
• Examples: JAWS, Window-Eyes
• Scanning and reading systems
• Examples: Kurzweil 1000, OpenBook, Scan and Read
• Display settings (some built into OS)
• Examples: mouse, cursor, icons, background, and text
color

17. Computer Software
Physical Disabilities
• On-screen Keyboards (WiViK, ScreenDoors)
• Voice Recognition (Dragon NaturallySpeaking)
• Abbreviation Expansion (SoothSayer)
• Word Prediction (WordQ, WYNN)
• Morse Code (Darci)

18. Computer Software
Learning DisabilitiesLearning Disabilities
• Talking Word ProcessorsTalking Word Processors
• Word PredictionWord Prediction
• Scan and Read (Kurzweil 3000)Scan and Read (Kurzweil 3000)

19. Computer Hardware
Alternative Mice/Mouse ControlAlternative Mice/Mouse Control
• ““Standard Mice”Standard Mice”

20. Computer Hardware
Alternative Mice/Mouse ControlAlternative Mice/Mouse Control
• TrackballsTrackballs

21. Computer Hardware
Alternative Mice/Mouse ControlAlternative Mice/Mouse Control
• Joystick MouseJoystick Mouse
• Also, possibly through wheelchair controllerAlso, possibly through wheelchair controller

22. Computer Hardware
Alternative Mice/Mouse ControlAlternative Mice/Mouse Control
• Mouse Pointing Through Head ControlMouse Pointing Through Head Control
• Infra redInfra red
• USB CameraUSB Camera

23. Computer Hardware
Alternative Mice/Mouse ControlAlternative Mice/Mouse Control
• Other OptionsOther Options

24. Computer Hardware
Alternative Mice/Mouse ControlAlternative Mice/Mouse Control
• Other OptionsOther Options
• Switch Control for Mouse or Just ClickSwitch Control for Mouse or Just Click
• Touch ScreenTouch Screen

25. Computer Hardware
Alternative KeyboardsAlternative Keyboards
• ““Ergonomic Keyboards”Ergonomic Keyboards”

26. Computer Hardware
Alternative KeyboardsAlternative Keyboards
• Small Footprint KeyboardsSmall Footprint Keyboards

27. Computer Hardware
Alternative KeyboardsAlternative Keyboards
• Large KeyboardsLarge Keyboards

28. Computer Hardware
Alternative KeyboardsAlternative Keyboards
• One Handed KeyboardsOne Handed Keyboards

29. Computer Hardware
Alternative KeyboardsAlternative Keyboards
• Other OptionsOther Options

30. • Arm and Wrist SupportsArm and Wrist Supports
The Work Station:
Ergonomics & Positioning Aids

31. • Copy/Paper HoldersCopy/Paper Holders
• Book StandsBook Stands
The Work Station:
Ergonomics & Positioning Aids

32. • Adjustable TablesAdjustable Tables
The Work Station:
Ergonomics & Positioning Aids

33. • Adjustable ChairsAdjustable Chairs
The Work Station:
Ergonomics & Positioning Aids

34. • MiscellaneousMiscellaneous
The Work Station:
Ergonomics & Positioning Aids