Introduction

Everyone Communicates

Behavior as communication

Augmentative and Alternative Communications

Supporting communication

 

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Augmentative & Alternative Communication

Many students with moderate and severe disabilities exhibit communication difficulties.  Some may be able to communicate in a very simple way, such as reaching out their hand to request something.  Others may use a sophisticated means to communicate, such as a communication device or a picture system.  Some students have no means at all to communicate.  It is up to the team (parents, special education teacher, regular education teacher, speech therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist) that works with these students to assess their capabilities and find an alternative communication system that could possibly work for that student.  They must receive training in its use and then teach the student and those around the student to use it.  If it does not seem to work, then they must keep looking and trying until they find a system that works.

*ACTIVITY* 

Look at the following sites and answer the following questions:

What is augmentative and alternative communication?  What does it include?

http://www.mrtc.org/duffy/yaack/b0.html

What are four purposes of communication?  Describe each one.

http://www.pbrookes.com/aac/excerpt.htm

When does a child need AAC?  Why should AAC be considered for a child with a communication impairment or delay?

http://www.mrtc.org/duffy/yaack/b1.html

What is the purpose of a communication program?  What is its aim?

http://www.mrtc.org/duffy/yaack/d0.html


*ACTIVITY* 

Look at the following website.  (Be sure to look at links in the three areas for consideration and the daily routines sections):

Describe the three areas for consideration in the AAC process. Describe how AAC can be embedded throughout the student’s daily routine.

http://www.circleofinclusion.org/english/augcomm/index.html

What is the difference between low, medium, and high tech augmentative communication systems?

http://www.bsc.net/jaynamom/aacintro.html

Look at the following site to see some examples of communication devices.

http://www.mayer-johnson.com/hardware/index.html

Now that you have explored the various ways that people can communicate, look at the people in your school who do not communicate well just by speech or writing.  Look at the various things they need to do within the school on a daily basis.  How could augmentative or alternative communication assist them to take part in activities or be more independent?  One more thing to think about: if you used some sort of augmentative or alternative device, what would need to happen so you would become proficient and independent in using it?

Link to next section: Supporting Communication

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