Michelle's Blog: PrACCtical Augmentative & Alternative Communication

Class Assignment

Answers:

1.Communication is the conveying of information or exchange of information to share information, needs, opinions, ideas, beliefs, feelings, emotions, experiences and values. Communication is more than just talking and listening; it involves understanding and interpreting. Communication is any act from which one person receives from another and can be intentional or non-intentional. The effectiveness of this communication varies from person to person depending on many variables.

Communication can be divided into 4 different categories but delivered in a variety of ways.

1. Verbal communication

2. Non-verbal communication

3. Written communication

4. Visual communication

2. Ways people communicate include…

with their eyes
orally via face to face interactions, telephone, radio, television, etc
physically through touch, body gestures
sign language
pictorially through the use of programs like Board Maker or PECs
in writing via letters, emails, books, magazines
technology devices with programming including iPad with Proloquo2go or Picture Card Maker Plus
visually with charts, graphs, maps, logos, etc
acting out, meltdown

3. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is an umbrella term that encompasses the communication methods used to supplement or replace speech or writing for those with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language. AAC is used by individuals with a wide range of speech and language impairments including congenital impairments such as cerebral palsy, intellectual impairments and autism. In addition, AAC is used by individuals who have acquired conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

4. AAC systems are diverse but as with any device, ensuring an appropriate match is made between user and device is critical to its effectiveness and success.

5. Three criteria for effective communication:

a communication partner (receiver)
joint attention
a common language

6. There are two categories of AAC Systems:

Unaided communication systems - rely on the user's body to convey messages gestures, facial expressions, vocalizations, speech, and sign language
Aided communication systems –require the use of tools or equipment in addition to the user's body. Examples are using an actual object to convey meaning; for example, your child hands you a cup to let you know she is thirsty pointing to , such as pictures or textures on a communication board or in a book activating a device; for example, your child presses a switch or button on a recorded speech device, initiating auditory output that says "I'm thirsty."

More examples include Communication board, Communication books, Recorded speech devices, Keyboards (The symbols on the keyboard might be letters, words, or picture symbols), iPads.