General
What does AAC stand for?
Augmentative and alternative communication
T/F: the majority of communicators are limited to one mode of communication (i.e. only speech).
False - we are all multimodal communicators
Provide an example of gaining attention
Hey!
Look!
Excuse me!
What is an example of a low or mid tech AAC device?
Low: pictures on a paper/cardboard/plastic communication board
Mid: Voice Output Devices (VODs) which play prerecorded audio when a person hits a button
Name 2 types of AAC
speech device (SGD), gesture, sign language
T/F: AAC promotes participation
True - participation is enhanced by providing greater access to communication
Provide an example of protesting / rejecting
No way!
That’s disgusting!
I don’t want to.
What's an example of a high-tech AAC device?
TOBii Eye Gaze device: tracks eyes and "speaks" based on what message/word a user looks at
Other computer based speech-generating devices
Why should the user always have access to their AAC?
T/F: AAC delays or negatively impacts language development
False - researched and proven effective in developing speech and language
Provide an example of requesting
Give me…
Can I have…?
Are voice/speech/language disorders more common in girls or boys?
Boys ages 3-17 are more likely than girls to have a voice, speech, or language disorder (9.1% compared to 5.2%). (NIH)
What is 1 way you ensure the users high tech device is protected and accessible?
Protective case, stored on tables/counters, worn by staff when user isn’t accessing it
T/F: AAC is only for nonverbal people
False - AAC can be used to supplement memory deficits, motor speech differences, impaired processing, and more
Provide an example of a question to sustain an interaction after gaining someone's attention
What’s your name?
How are you?
Where are you going?
How many people in the US have a communication disorder/impairment?
10 million
40 million
65 million
Approx. 40 million Americans have a communication disorder/impairment (ASHA)