AAC OverviewAT Bootcamp

ATIA 2013Behnke, Marotta and Wojcik

Four Functions of Communication

Expressing Needs and WantsExchanging InformationSocial ClosenessSocial Etiquette

What is AAC?

All forms of communication that enhance or supplement speech and writing

(ASAH Knowledge and Skills for AAC Service Delivery, 2001)

No Tech or Unaided AACSign languageGesturesPointingFacial ExpressionPartner Assisted ScanningOthers?

Low Tech SystemsAided modalitiesNo Tech solutionsDisplays (books, boards, etc.) No Speech output

High Tech SystemsSingle Message or Multiple MessageText-to-speechDynamic DisplayTouch ScreenSynthesized speech or digitized speech

The iPad! (and other mobile devices)

Dedicated AAC vs. the iPadMany are based on years of researchTechnical AssistanceWarrantiesCan be paid for by Medicaid/insurance/MedicareMost come with a wide variety of access methodsDurabilityRegional Sales Rep

Pros

Cost, cost, cost.◦Cost of traditional synthesized speech device

is approximately $8,000.◦Traditional digitized: approximately $2,500.

WeightAppearanceOthers?

Dedicated AAC vs. the iPad

Cons

AAC Apps Consideration Cost Pre-loaded Content Editing Symbols Support

Technology Exploration Group Activity #1

AAC Consideration

AAC ConsiderationCurrent Communication SkillsCognitive AbilitiesVision and Hearing SkillsPhysical AbilitiesBehavioral Considerations

Feature Match

AAC ConsiderationCommunication EnvironmentsCommunication PartnersTraining SupportFunding SourcesPersonal Preferences

Feature Match

Language – Receptive Skills(comprehension)

Following DirectionsIdentification SkillsMatching SkillsNaming / LabelingImitation TasksTask SequencingAnswering Targeted

Questions

(Lee, 2011)

Language – Expressive Skills(relaying thoughts)

Expressing Wants, Needs and Feelings

Directing TasksDescribing / CommentingEngaging in Social

RoutinesAsking Questions

(Lee, 2011)

Vocabulary

Core Vocabulary

Extended Vocabulary

15 symbols core

I

You

It

Want

Like

Mine

Go

Stop

What

More

All Done

Help

That

Here

Away

AAC Symbols

Objects

Photographs

Realistic Pictures◦Color ◦Black and White

AAC SymbolsLine Drawings

◦Color◦Black and White

Alphabet / Spelling

AAC Implementation

Environmental AdjustmentsFacilitate Interaction Styles

◦ Least to Most Prompting◦ Student Directed Activities◦ Action Pause Action◦ Natural Consequences

AAC ImplementationDynaVox Implementation Toolkit

http://www.dynavoxtech.com/implementation-toolkit/

Group Activity #2

Questions?Comments?