Supporting AAC Users

Supporting AAC Users: Key Terms and Vocabulary

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to a set of strategies and tools that support individuals with communication difficulties in expressing themselves effectively. AAC is essential for individuals with special needs who may have challenges in speech or language production. In the course Professional Certificate in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Assessment for Special Needs Learners, learners will explore various techniques and tools to support AAC users effectively. Let's delve into some key terms and vocabulary that are crucial for understanding and implementing AAC strategies.

1. AAC Assessment

AAC assessment is the process of evaluating an individual's communication needs and abilities to determine the most appropriate AAC strategies and tools for them. This assessment involves evaluating the individual's current communication skills, preferences, and challenges to develop a personalized AAC system. AAC assessments are essential to ensure that AAC users have access to the most suitable communication supports.

2. Communication Partner

A communication partner is an individual who interacts with an AAC user and supports their communication. Communication partners play a crucial role in facilitating communication for AAC users by providing them with necessary support, encouragement, and opportunities to communicate effectively. Communication partners can be family members, teachers, therapists, or peers who engage with AAC users in various settings.

3. Symbol Systems

Symbol systems are visual representations used in AAC to convey meaning and support communication. Symbol systems can include pictures, symbols, words, letters, or gestures that represent objects, actions, or concepts. Different AAC users may benefit from different symbol systems based on their communication needs and preferences. Some common symbol systems include Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Blissymbols, and Mayer-Johnson symbols.

4. Low-Tech AAC

Low-tech AAC refers to communication systems that do not require electronic devices and are often simple and cost-effective. Examples of low-tech AAC systems include communication boards, picture cards, and communication books. Low-tech AAC is suitable for individuals who may not have access to high-tech devices or prefer non-electronic communication supports.

5. High-Tech AAC

High-tech AAC involves the use of electronic devices such as speech-generating devices (SGDs) or tablets to support communication. High-tech AAC systems offer advanced features such as voice output, word prediction, and customization options to meet the specific needs of AAC users. High-tech AAC devices can be beneficial for individuals who require more sophisticated communication supports.

6. Core Vocabulary

Core vocabulary refers to a set of high-frequency words that are essential for effective communication. Core vocabulary includes words such as "I," "you," "want," "more," "go," and "stop" that are used frequently in various communication contexts. Teaching core vocabulary is crucial for AAC users as it helps them express a wide range of ideas and messages efficiently.

7. Fringe Vocabulary

Fringe vocabulary consists of less frequently used words that are specific to individual preferences, interests, or activities. Fringe vocabulary supplements core vocabulary and allows AAC users to communicate about specific topics or express personal preferences. Including fringe vocabulary in AAC systems can enhance the user's ability to communicate effectively in diverse situations.

8. Modeling

Modeling is a strategy used to demonstrate how to use AAC systems effectively. Communication partners can model AAC communication by using the AAC system themselves during interactions with AAC users. Modeling helps AAC users learn how to navigate the system, select symbols or words, and construct messages. Regular modeling can support AAC users in developing their communication skills.

9. Aided Language Stimulation

Aided language stimulation involves combining speech with pointing to symbols or words on an AAC system while talking. This strategy helps AAC users associate spoken language with visual symbols and reinforces the connection between words and their meanings. Aided language stimulation is an effective way to support language development and communication comprehension for AAC users.

10. Operational Competence

Operational competence refers to an individual's ability to operate and navigate an AAC system effectively. AAC users need to develop operational competence to use their communication devices independently and efficiently. Operational competence includes skills such as selecting symbols, navigating menus, and accessing different communication functions on AAC devices.

11. Linguistic Competence

Linguistic competence involves the ability to understand and use language effectively within a communication system. AAC users need linguistic competence to express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions accurately using symbols, words, or gestures. Developing linguistic competence in AAC users involves teaching language rules, sentence structure, and vocabulary usage within the AAC system.

12. Social Competence

Social competence refers to an individual's ability to engage in social interactions and communicate effectively with others. AAC users need social competence to initiate conversations, maintain relationships, and participate in various social activities. Supporting social competence in AAC users involves teaching social communication skills, turn-taking, and social pragmatics within communication contexts.

13. Access Methods

Access methods are techniques used to interact with AAC devices based on an individual's physical abilities and needs. Common access methods include touchscreens, switches, eye gaze, head pointing, or voice activation. Selecting the most appropriate access method is crucial to ensure that AAC users can use their communication devices comfortably and efficiently.

14. Scanning

Scanning is a method used to select symbols or words on AAC systems when direct selection is not possible. In scanning, a cursor or highlight moves sequentially through options on the screen, and the user activates a switch or button to make a selection. Scanning can be beneficial for individuals with limited motor control or access challenges in using AAC devices.

15. Multimodal Communication

Multimodal communication involves using a combination of communication modes such as speech, gestures, facial expressions, and AAC systems to convey messages. AAC users may rely on multimodal communication to enhance their expressive abilities and ensure effective communication in various contexts. Encouraging multimodal communication can support AAC users in expressing themselves comprehensively.

16. Transition Planning

Transition planning involves preparing AAC users for transitions between different communication environments, devices, or support systems. Transition planning is essential to ensure continuity of communication supports and facilitate smooth transitions for AAC users in various settings. Effective transition planning considers the individual's changing needs, preferences, and communication goals over time.

17. AAC Team

An AAC team is a group of professionals, caregivers, and individuals involved in supporting AAC users in their communication journey. The AAC team may include speech-language pathologists, special educators, occupational therapists, assistive technology specialists, family members, and other stakeholders. Collaborating as an AAC team is essential to provide comprehensive and coordinated support for AAC users.

18. AAC Implementation Plan

An AAC implementation plan outlines the strategies, goals, and supports needed to implement AAC systems effectively for an individual. The implementation plan includes details on AAC device selection, vocabulary customization, training for communication partners, and ongoing support for the AAC user. Developing a comprehensive AAC implementation plan is essential for successful AAC intervention.

19. Data Collection and Progress Monitoring

Data collection and progress monitoring involve tracking the AAC user's communication skills, usage of AAC systems, and progress towards communication goals over time. Collecting data allows the AAC team to evaluate the effectiveness of AAC interventions, make adjustments to the communication supports as needed, and monitor the individual's communication development. Data-driven decision-making is crucial for supporting AAC users effectively.

20. AAC Ethics

AAC ethics encompass the principles and guidelines that govern the ethical use of AAC strategies and tools in supporting individuals with communication difficulties. Ethical considerations in AAC include respecting the individual's autonomy, promoting communication rights, ensuring confidentiality, and providing culturally sensitive and inclusive communication supports. Upholding ethical standards is essential in delivering ethical and effective AAC services.

In conclusion, understanding these key terms and vocabulary is essential for professionals working with AAC users to provide effective communication supports and enhance the communication skills of individuals with special needs. By incorporating these concepts into AAC assessment and intervention practices, professionals can create personalized and empowering communication experiences for AAC users.