Alternative Communication
01 February, 2023
Context:
Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems include any form of communication aid or tool that is used to assist in communicating one person's thoughts, needs, and wants to another person. When,
Problem:
Individuals with dysphagia, dysarthria, cerebral palsy, autism, and other complex diagnosis can often struggle to verbalize their needs and wants. Oral motor control can be weak, limiting intelligibility or neural pathways may be underdeveloped restricting communication skills.
Solution:
A multifaceted approach to communication barriers is essential to success with alternative communication. When someone is unable to use their voice to clearly and effectively communicate, an alternative system is created, implemented, and practiced.
Examples of AAC systems include: High Tech Speech Generating Devices with specialized and personalized communication software with a robust vocabulary, simple clipart picture displays, and topic based message boards of commonly used phrases.
Result:
Taking into account the whole person, their entire skill set and challenges a communication method is created. It is an ongoing project based on the individual and their complex communication needs.
Example Cases:
Switch Mount: a camera mounting system was used to hold a bluetooth button activating a high tech speech generating device.
Laser Eye Gaze: a common laser light was attached to the side of a pair of non prescription glasses and used to select a location on a stagnant picture/word display.
Object Communication Board: miniature objects representing activities or choices were secured to a board. A piece of artificial turf to indicate going outside, a spoon to indicate hunger, a tiny cup to indicate thirst.
Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems include any form of communication aid or tool that is used to assist in communicating one person's thoughts, needs, and wants to another person. When,
Problem:
Individuals with dysphagia, dysarthria, cerebral palsy, autism, and other complex diagnosis can often struggle to verbalize their needs and wants. Oral motor control can be weak, limiting intelligibility or neural pathways may be underdeveloped restricting communication skills.
Solution:
A multifaceted approach to communication barriers is essential to success with alternative communication. When someone is unable to use their voice to clearly and effectively communicate, an alternative system is created, implemented, and practiced.
Examples of AAC systems include: High Tech Speech Generating Devices with specialized and personalized communication software with a robust vocabulary, simple clipart picture displays, and topic based message boards of commonly used phrases.
Result:
Taking into account the whole person, their entire skill set and challenges a communication method is created. It is an ongoing project based on the individual and their complex communication needs.
Example Cases:
Switch Mount: a camera mounting system was used to hold a bluetooth button activating a high tech speech generating device.
Laser Eye Gaze: a common laser light was attached to the side of a pair of non prescription glasses and used to select a location on a stagnant picture/word display.
Object Communication Board: miniature objects representing activities or choices were secured to a board. A piece of artificial turf to indicate going outside, a spoon to indicate hunger, a tiny cup to indicate thirst.
