AAC Devices
Who utilizes AAC devices?
All of our students!
What kind of choice boards are there?
Location, item, activity, food...literally anything and everything
What are icons used for?
To assist with communication, schedules, hard-of hearing students, and visual explanation
AAC hinders spoken language development or stops speech development
FALSE
In fact, some studies have shown that AAC use actually increases verbal speech development (Romski & Sevcik, 1996; Cress, 2003). Further, introducing AAC early has been shown to: (a) support the development of natural speech and language skills (Romski, Sevcik, Adamson, Smith, & Barker, 2010; Wright, Kaiser, Reikowsky, & Roberts, 2013); and (b) increase expressive and receptive vocabulary for toddlers and young children (Drager et al., 2006; Romski, Sevcik, Barton-Hulsey, & Whitmore, 2015).
What kind of AAC devices are there?
high tech devices, low tech devices
- communication ipads
- communication binders
- choice boards, icons
When should you offer choice boards?
Whenever possible
Who should icons be used with?
Everyone!
AAC is only for people who have NO verbal speech
FALSE
While some AAC users are nonspeaking, there are plenty of speech who benefit from using AAC some of the time. These are frequently referred to as part-time AAC users. This may include people who use AAC to repair communication breakdowns, clarify unclear verbal speech, initiate communication, or more!
When should you utilize AAC devices?
At all times!
Why should we use choice boards?
To pair icons with verbal prompts, to give visual options, and build independence
What types of icons are there?
Line drawn, real picture
Children must have a certain set of skills to be able to benefit from AAC
FALSE
There is absolutely NO evidence that children have to have any set skills to benefit from using or being exposed to AAC. This means that children do NOT need to have tried low-tech AAC (picture supports, pencil and paper, etc.) before trying higher-tech AAC. Per Romski and Sevcik, "Investigators have argued against excluding children from AAC interventions based upon intellectual performance and/or prerequisite sensorimotor skills...Some individuals with severe sensori-motor disabilities cannot demonstrate their cognitive abilities without a means by which to communicate so we cannot insist on evidence of those abilities before providing AAC services and supports" (2005).
Additionally, the evidence suggests that there is no hierarchy of symbols. Namy, Campbell, and Tomasello (2004) suggested that 13- to 18-month-olds' early development of word learning is not specific to a predetermined mode of symbolic reference because their comprehension of referents in their environments is in the developmental stage. In terms of AAC, this means that it may not matter if the child uses the abstract symbols on the device or uses real photos, as they serve the same functions for the child.
Why are AAC devices important?
It gives our students a voice and builds independence and life skills
Where can you find choice boards?
Around the house, in the office in the pull down cabinet
When should you use icons?
At all times!
Get into the habit of pairing icons and verbal prompting!
Children may have to be a certain age to be able to benefit from AAC
FALSE
There is no evidence that children must be a certain chronological age before introducing AAC. A common fear is that the early introduction of AAC will prevent the development of verbal speech, however the evidence suggests this is untrue. Per Romski and Sevcik, "current research clearly documents the efficacy of communication services and supports provided to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with a variety of severe disabilities (Bondy & Frost, 1998; Cress, 2003; Pinder & Olswang, 1995; Romski, Sevcik, & Forrest, 2001; Rowland & Schweigert, 2000). Studies also have demonstrated that the use of AAC does not interfere with speech development (Romski, Sevcik, & Hyatt, 2003, for a review) and actually has been shown to support such development (see Millar, Light, & Schlosser, 2000)" (2005).
What does AAC stand for?
augmentative and alternative communication
How do you utilize choice boards?
Offer the student the choice board, prompt them to pick, honor the item they choose (even if you know it's not the option they really want) to teach accuracy and comprehension
Where can you find icons?
Behind Laura's desk, on Laura's desk, on the student's door frames
AAC is a 'last resort' in speech-language intervention
FALSE
Despite what may have been recommended in the past, the current research shows that there is no need to wait until other therapeutic methods have been exhausted to try AAC! New research has shown that early introduction of AAC can help prevent failures in communication and language development.