Ninth Class: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

This evening we were asked to complete a task related to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Together my partner, Nicole Holland, and I researched AAC and answered a variety of questions for the purpose of an assigned task.

What is Communication?

Communication is a way of sending and receiving information through verbal and non-verbal expression as well as other mediums. You cannot NOT communicate, even silence is communication.

Communication interactions involve:

1) communication of wants and/or needs

2) information transfer

3) social closeness

4) social etiquette

Twenty Different Ways We Communicate:

1) Verbal: we communicate verbally using words we understand.

2)  Non-Verbal: this is through body language; facial expressions, body language and gestures.

3)  Para-Verbal: tone, pitch and volume of voice.

4) Sign Language

5) Text message

6) Email

7) Writing

8) Eye contact

9) Touch

10) Drawing pictures

11) Telephone

12) Face time

13) Skype

14) Fax

15) Through Apps on mobile devices

16) PowerPoint

17) Emotion - aggressiveness/crying

18) Television

19) Playing an instrument

20) Dance

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) ?

Augmentative and alternative communication, also known as AAC, is a term that is used to describe a magnitude of methods of communication headlong people who are unable to use verbal speech to communicate. AAC includes both unaided and aided systems. Unaided systems, like signing and gestures, do not require special materials or equipment. Aided systems use picture charts, books, and technology. Many forms of AAC include an assistive technology component which range from high- to low-tech strategies.

Who is a typical user of AAC?

AAC can benefit a wide range of individuals, from a beginning communicator to a more sophisticated communicator who formulates his own messages.

Any person with a disability that makes it difficult for them to communicate may benefit from AAC.  AAC allows an individual to express their needs and wants, and more fully participate in decisions that affect their lives.

AAC also benefits family members and other significant others, providing a way for them to more fully communicate with their loved ones.

What are 3 Criteria for EFFECTIVE communication?

1) a communication partner

2) a common language

3) joint attention

10 Different Types of AAC

Name of AAC	Description	Level  of Tech
Cool Speech	CoolSpeech is the text-to-speech player for Windows! It empowers users to experience the wonderful text-to-speech technologies in many ways.	High
MyVoiceX	MyVoiceX is a simple and user-friendly software utility designed specifically for individuals who are temporarily or permanently unable to speak.	High
My Choice Board	The My Choice Board app enables users to increase independence and communicate needs and wants by presenting a visual display of choices.	High
I Can Speak	I Can Speak is an easy-to-use AAC app designed to meet most of the communications needs of those unable to speak.	High
Boardmaker	This software aid in creating visuals. In particular, excellent for creating visual schedules.	Low
Tech/Speak	This augmentative speech device provides users with speech playback. You can record many messages. This device can be used for students who are non-verbal and/or have difficulty with communicating their wants and needs.	Low
Nova Chat 5	This is a speech generating device. It is portable which makes it very convenient. It allows student with significant communication difficulties to be able to communicate. It’s easy to use and it can be customized.	Low
MACAW	MACAW is a communication device for people who do not have functional speech. Pictures or words are used to represent messages stored in each key. The student using the device presses the button to communicate their message.	Medium
Proloquo2go	This AAC App uses text to speech, has a huge vocabulary and is able to predict words. This App can be used by students who are unable to communicate verbally.  You can customize it for your specific needs. It is user friendly	High
Predictable	This AAC App is another text to speech application. You can incorporate social media with this App which makes it very inclusive. It allows the users to hand write on the screen, includes emoticons, convenient folders to store phrases and you can select from a variety of voices. Predictable is commonly used by people who have cerebral palsy and those who have suffered from a stroke or brain injury and have difficulties with communicating.	High

The following is a video of an individual using AAC devices. He demonstrates his ability to use low, medium and high tech devices. It is very inspiring to see how high tech assistive technology drastically improves his ability to EFFECTIVELY communicate.