1. Augmenting Communication…
Expanding Communication
Darlene Hanson, MA, CCC
Speech and Language Pathologist
Director of Communication Services
WAPADH
www.wapadh.org

2. AAC and Speech
The Myth... using AAC will decrease the ability to
speak
Research says the opposite and we definitely see
the opposite

3. What’s the Purpose
Communication skills develop before speech
Turn taking, to gain attention, expression of
feelings, make requests...
When speech is difficult communication should
still be a focus
AAC supports the development of
communication

4. Low Tech vs. High Tech

5. Choosing what you
need?
Symbol system
Accessing the device
Display
Communication environments
Communication partners
Input and output
Portability, battery, user friendliness...

6. Augmenting School
Accessing the curriculum
Symbol
Size of the Display
Using the materials
“Did he/she learn what was just taught?”

7. Augmenting
Communication
Nonverbal communication acts
Preparing the environment
Access to the systems
Training the communication partners

8. What about speech?
Visual to auditory
Hands and the mouth work together
Making the connection... “think ~ communicate”

9. Thank you
Darlene Hanson, MA, CCC
Speech and Language Pathologist
Director of Communication Services
WAPADH
www.wapadh.org