This document provides an overview of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). It defines AAC as any form of communication that enhances or supplements speech and writing. It discusses the four main functions of communication and describes various AAC options including unaided systems like gestures and aided low-tech systems like communication boards. High-tech AAC systems with speech output and touch screens are presented. Considerations for choosing between dedicated AAC devices and iPad apps are outlined. Factors to consider in AAC assessment and implementation are provided like language skills, environments, and training support. Core and extended vocabulary are discussed.

1. AAC Overview
AT Bootcamp
ATIA 2013
Behnke, Marotta and Wojcik

2. Four Functions of Communication
 Expressing Needs and Wants
 Exchanging Information
 Social Closeness
 Social Etiquette

3. What is AAC?
All forms of communication that enhance
or supplement speech and writing
(ASAH Knowledge and Skills for AAC Service Delivery, 2001)

4. No Tech or Unaided AAC
 Sign language
 Gestures
 Pointing
 Facial Expression
 Partner Assisted Scanning
 Others?

5. Low Tech Systems
 Aided modalities
 No Tech solutions
 Displays (books, boards, etc.)
 No Speech output

6. High Tech Systems
 Single Message or Multiple Message
 Text-to-speech
 Dynamic Display
 Touch Screen
 Synthesized speech or digitized speech

7. The iPad!
(and other mobile devices)

8. Dedicated AAC vs. the iPad
 Many are based on years of research
 Technical Assistance
 Warranties
 Can be paid for by Medicaid/insurance/Medicare
 Most come with a wide variety of access
methods
 Durability
 Regional Sales Rep

9. Dedicated AAC vs. the iPad
 Cost, cost, cost.
◦ Cost of traditional synthesized speech device
is approximately $8,000.
◦ Traditional digitized: approximately $2,500.
 Weight
 Appearance
 Others?

10. AAC Apps Consideration
 Cost
 Pre-loaded Content
 Editing
 Symbols
 Support

11. Technology
Exploration
Group Activity #1

12. AAC Consideration

13. AAC Consideration
 Current Communication Skills
 Cognitive Abilities
 Vision and Hearing Skills
 Physical Abilities
 Behavioral Considerations

14. AAC Consideration
 Communication Environments
 Communication Partners
 Training Support
 Funding Sources
 Personal Preferences

15. Language – Receptive Skills
(comprehension)
 Following Directions
 Identification Skills
 Matching Skills
 Naming / Labeling
 Imitation Tasks
 Task Sequencing
 Answering Targeted
Questions
(Lee, 2011)

16. Language – Expressive Skills
(relaying thoughts)
 Expressing Wants, Needs
and Feelings
 Directing Tasks
 Describing / Commenting
 Engaging in Social
Routines
 Asking Questions
(Lee, 2011)

17. Vocabulary
 Core Vocabulary
 Extended Vocabulary

18. I Want Go More That
You Like Stop All Done Here
It Mine What Help Away
15 symbols core

19. AAC Symbols
 Objects
 Photographs
 Realistic Pictures
◦ Color
◦ Black and White

20. AAC Symbols
 Line Drawings
◦ Color
◦ Black and White
 Alphabet / Spelling

21. AAC Implementation
 Environmental Adjustments
 Facilitate Interaction Styles
◦ Least to Most Prompting
◦ Student Directed Activities
◦ Action Pause Action
◦ Natural Consequences

22. AAC Implementation
DynaVox Implementation Toolkit
Group Activity
#2
http://www.dynavoxtech.com/implementation-toolkit/

23. Questions?
Comments?