Augmentative & Alternative Communication

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, to incr, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals w/ disabilities

• aids for daily living
• communication aids
• coputer application
• environmental control systems
• home and work site modifications
• prosthetics and orthotics
• seating and positioning
• snesory aids for persons with hearing or visual impairments
• wheelchairs/mobility aids
• transportation aids

any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device

refers to methods and devices that supplemnet existing verbal communication skills. the objective is to enhance the communication skills that the individual already exhibits

refers to techniques that substitue for spoken communication for those indvs who appear unable to or unlikely to develop spoken language skills

aided and unaided

everything from a simple communication board to the computer with a synthetic speech output system

no external support devices or procedures. they are portable, easy to use, no cords or batteries, inexpensive-easy to replace-and others can use w/ little or no training

• Begins w. determining the communication demads and opportunities presented by the environment
• description of the learner's present communication status and whether or not an AAC device is needed 
• Background info - medical diagnosis, case history
• Mobility evaluation
• Fine motor skills evaluation
• Cognitive linguistic evaluation
• Sensory-perceptual evaluation

• Develop goals for child to participate in all environments
• Select aided or unaided
• Select symbol system - gestural or graphic
• Select methods to incre AAC use
•     -incr environments in which AAC is used
•     -engage in age approp interaction
•     -incr oppor for AAC use
•     -focus conversation on topics valued by the indiv
•     -focus conversation on topics valued by parents
•     -consider ease of acquisition
•     -consider enhancemnet of status for the AAC user

• Include background info, med diagnosis, kills and abilities, comm limitations
• Describe the evaluation process, including equipment trials
• Describe the recommended device and include the cost INCLUDING REPAIR, MAINTENANCE, AND TRAINING
• If possible, include a letter of med necessity or prescription

• Existing comm abilities
• Cognitive abilities
• Motor abilities
• Sensory abilities

• Regular/sped teachers
• AuD
• Ophthalmologist
• Rehab engineer/computer engineer
• Career counselor
• OT, PT Speech
• Social Worker
• Psychologist