True or False
There is only one kind of AAC device for all patients and diagnoses.
What is false?
There are a lot of different types of AAC ranging from no-tech and low-tech options to high-tech, include things like: gestures and facial expressions, writing, drawing, spelling words by pointing to letters, pointing to photos/pictures or written words, high-tech computer-based systems
Anyone who talks or interacts with you
Who is a communication partner?
Does not require outside tools or materials
What is unaided AAC?
Use of natural communication
Objects are activated as soon as they are touched or clicked with a finger or a mouse
What is touch?
A low-tech option with picture symbols and words
What is a communication board?
A person’s ability to speak is indicative of their ability to communicate.
What is false?
Many people have thoughts, ideas, wants/needs that they have the ability to communicate without use of their voice.
Allow up to 45 seconds to respond
What is the wait time a communication partner should provide an AAC user after asking a question?
Any device (low-tech or no-tech), that is used to transmit or receive messages.
What is Aided AAC?
Wide range of AAC devices that requires some tools/materials outside of the person communication
Requires a switch, keyboard key or mouse to make a selection when the desired item is highlighted
What is scanning?
A high-tech option that provides voice output
What is a speech-generating device?
A patient does not need to try every other form of communication (voice/speech, signing, gestures, low-tech coreboards, etc.) before considering a high-tech device.
What is true?
Help finish the sentences of what the AAC user is trying to communicate.
What is something that a communication partner should not do?
Allow the AAC user the time to formulate a full response. They are capable of generating full thoughts/ideas.
Use of facial expressions, gestures, body language, informal vocalization, and/or sign language
What is Unaided AAC?
Selections are made by fixating the gaze on an object for a specified amount of time, activating a switch, or by blinking.
What is eye gaze?
Most appropriate choice for a patient with severe motor speech deficits and grossly intact comprehension
What is a speech-generating device?
AAC replaces natural speech and writing using aided and/or unaided symbols
What is false?
AAC can also supplement natural speech, so it can be used in conjunction with spoken language.
Familiarize yourself with a communication board that requires you as a partner to assist someone with communication.
What is something a communication partner should do?
A communication partner should be familiar with ow to use a communication board (i.e., one that requires the partner to point to letters, keep track of what is being spelled, etc.)
Communication boards/books where a user selects letters, words, phrases, symbols, pictures, etc. to create a message
What is Aided AAC?
An object is selected when the cursor pauses on an object for a specified amount of time or when the user activates a switch.
What is mouse dwell?
Most appropriate choice for a severely aphasic and apraxic patient
What is a picture board?
Use of an AAC device can be discontinued at any time
What is true?
At any time an AAC device can be discontinued from use, modified/altered, etc. to better meet a person's communication/language needs.
Assist with communication breakdowns and support the AAC-user with repairing their message.
What is something a communication partner can do?
You can always clear a message and start over if needed.
AAC software used with a computer/tablet/smartphone
What is Aided AAC?
The type of access method most appropriate for a patient with ALS.
What is eye tracking?
Best choice for a patient with aphonia and tetraplegia.
What is a speech-generating device with eye gaze access?