![]() How should my team decide what to teach first? In much the same way that young children with typical development receive consistent help in developing verbal communication (e.g., many adults who model and respond to verbal language), AAC users need support from communication partners who understand the importance of AAC and are willing to support its use. Because AAC devices should be used consistently across the day (e.g., during all school activities, in-home routines, and in the community), agreement among all team members is important. ![]() Collaborative decision-making.Teams of adults who regularly interact with the child (i.e., teachers, parents, speech pathologists, and other professionals) should collaboratively determine how AAC might improve communication for a specific child.For a child who spends a large portion of his day in a wheelchair or stander, be sure to consult a physical therapist and occupational therapist to determine the most appropriate access method and possible mounting systems. For example, if a child moves from place to place or teacher to teacher frequently, you might consider AAC devices that can be attached to his person (e.g., communication bracelet). To be an effective means of communication, the AAC device should be available to the child at all times. Consistent availability of the device.For children who have difficulty discriminating between multiple items, children may require explicit discrimination training, and teachers may consider starting with two icons. For children who are blind, you might consider tactile symbols. For children with vision impairments, icons may need to be modified (e.g., made larger, put against contrasting backgrounds). For children with limited fine motor abilities, a 2×1 picture grid with large pictures may be appropriate. Child’s current cognitive, visual, and fine motor abilities.The child should be able to access the device given her current abilities and level development.When deciding which AAC decide to use, consider the following: How do I decide which AAC device is appropriate for the child? Speech generating devices, referred to as “durable medical equipment” (DME) for private and public health insurance (e.g., Dynavox, Accent™).Electronic tablet speech application (e.g., programs like ProLoQuo2Go for devices like iPads, Lenova Tabs, or Dell Venues).Recorded speech devices (GoTalk Communication Aid, BIGmack Communicator).Homemade binders or books of picture symbols.Picture exchange communication systems (PECS).Some examples of aided communication systems, listed from low tech to high tech, include: Below, we will focus primarily on the use of aided communication systems in homes and preschool classrooms. In short-AAC can support both expressive and receptive language/communication. For example, visual schedules, first-then schedules, and graphic organizers for story grammar are all examples of AAC. Although AAC is often thought of as service an “augmenting” or as an “alternative” to spoken language, it also can be used to support comprehension of verbal (spoken or written) directions. We all use AAC when we make facial expressions or gestures, use symbols of pictures, or write.” This includes unaided communication systems that utilize the communicator’s own body (e.g., sign language, eye gaze, gestures, facial expressions), and aided communication systems that utilize additional materials or equipment to augment communication. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association defines AAC as “all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. These children often benefit from availability of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. Some students have limited expressive communication, meaning they are not able to adequately verbally communicate to meet a variety of needs (e.g., requesting, protesting, commenting, responding to questions). What is augmentative and alternative communication? Small Group Academic Instruction with Peer ModelingĪugmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).Augmentative and Alternative Communication.Effective Communication Strategies to Use in Small Groups and Throughout the Day.
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