AAC SystemsA quick look at the options

AAC Bootcamp

Susan G. Malloy, M.S. CCC-SLP

Object based—often used with people who are deaf and blind and/or have severe to profound cognitive impairments.◦ Real objects are used to represent

people, places and activities. A hat means “We’re going outside.”

A jangling keys means “We’re going for a ride.” Alcohol wipe—”We’re going to the doctor’s office.”

Alphabet puzzle pieces can be used to represent letters.

Tech Free Systems

Tangible symbol systems—used with the same population as above, possibly in combination with real objects. See: Tangible Symbol Systems, designtolearn.com, STACS for APH or TSBVI symbols◦ Concrete not abstract—they bear a

physical relationship to the items they represent.

◦ Pieces of objects are used to represent things, places activities—usually the parts the user is likely to touch.

◦ A shoe lace = shoe These symbols tend to be user-

specific.

Tech Free (cont.)

3-D symbols made with a 3-D printer.◦ Turn a PCS or Widgit or other graphic symbol into

a plastic 3-D symbol.◦ Cost about $1.50 to $3.00 apiece

Tech Free (cont.)

1. A system of Augmentative Communication Instruction that begins with a 2:1 staff to client ratio and focuses on teaching mands through intraverbals through a strict ABA methodology.

2. Intended for children who do NOT have communicative intent

3. PECS is NOT what picture symbols are called and is NOT any notebook or picture trading system that is in use.

4. Clinicians and partners should be trained by Pyramid Consultants.

5. Misused the system can be overly reliant on mands/nouns and miss opportunities for social closeness and other functions.

PECS:

Developed by Frost and Bondy

Target population: Autistic beginning communicators

Teaches users what communication IS.

Focuses on initiation, requesting, and picture discrimination

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

Picture Communication Boards and Books

Boards◦ Research now tells us to focus

on core words instead of topic boards

◦ Fringe words can be added as a flipbook

◦ Pixons Program includes a core language board and flipbook

Books◦ Many are organized around

core vocabulary◦ May have many category

based pages◦ And a few activity based

pages for quick communication

PODD Communication BooksDeveloped by Gail Porter Promulgated by Linda Burkhart

Pragmatically organized Partner operated “Dynamic”—many

picture symbols have numbers linking them to a related page.

Many progressive levels from 9 per page to 75 items per 2 pages.

Emphasis on modeling the use of an extensive vocabulary.

Single message voice output devices:◦ Big Mac (AbleNet, Inc.)◦ Little Mac (AbleNet)◦ Go Talk Button(Attainment Co.)◦ Chipper (Adaptivation, Inc.)

Part of a multimodal system.

Useful for:◦ Initiating communication, ◦ Participating in group activities◦ Communicating over a short distance

Light Tech Devices

Step-by-Step Communicator (AbleNet, Inc.) Sequencer (Adaptivation, Inc.) Create sequences of messages for

predictable conversations, activities Greetings, comments, sound effects. Play Bingo! Give a spelling test. Interview

others. Take a poll.

Sequenced Voice Output Devices

Go Talk 4, 9 and 20 (Attainment Co.) Smart Talk, Smart Scan, Smart Speak

(AMDi) Inexpensive, but limited.FEATURES:Built in key guardsRecorded (digitized) speechMultiple levelsActivated by pressure

Static Display/Overlay Based Devices

Picture Based

Eye Gaze Boards

Encoded, Text Based Eye Gaze Boards

“Find your letter above.Find it again below.”

Partner identifies color above and letter below.

Tobii Dynavox Saltillo Prentke Romich Co.

FEATURES: Dynamic screen display Picture and/or text based Fully customizable Some pre-made vocabularies Synthesized speech Access by touch screen, eye gaze,

switch(es)

High Tech Dedicated Devices

Language systems Picture

symbols—Minspeak/Pixons, PCSs, Symbol Stix, DynaSyms

Pre made vocabulary sets Programming

All can incorporate photographs, all have built in cameras, all offer a variety of keyboard designs with word prediction. \

Most have multiple modes of access

None of them are powerful computers.

Differences in Dynamic Display Devices

A variety of options Features may include:

word prediction, storage/encoding of frequently used words, abbreviation expansion, dual display.

Keyboard Based Dedicated Devices

Humanware.com (devices) National Center on Deaf Blindness Perkins School for the Blind Texas School for the Blind and Visually

Impaired

Deaf Blind Communication

Access◦ Keyguards and mounting systems

are more secure and stable◦ More reliable, flexible switch access◦ Differences in touch screen

sensitivity Sound

◦ Built in speakers are louder◦ Most don’t need to be charged

separately More likely to be paid for by

insurance Fewer distractions for the user Less likely to be appropriated by

siblings at home Tech support and repair

Why choose a dedicated device:

iPad, iPad Mini, iPod Touch◦ Many communication apps:

TouchChat, TouchChat with Word Power, Proloquo2Go, Proloquo4Text, GoTalk Now, Sono Flex, Tap Speak Sequence, Tap Speak Choice, LAMP Words for Life (Unity), ETC….

Android devices◦ Fewer communication apps:

Sono Flex, Talk Tablet Speech (Gus Communication), Tap to Talk, Alexicom AAC

Mass Market Devices

Currently the best resource for AAC app ratings is Jane Farrell http://www.janefarrall.com/aac-apps-lists/ ◦ Please don’t waste time or money

on apps with 2 or less stars, for best results stick to 3 star apps!

Consider symbol set, voice choices, customization choices, support community, what family and child are most comfortable using and, if possible, try the app with the child

Apps

Less expensive May be more socially

acceptable Schools may be more

willing to purchase and support

Parents may find them easier

Why choose a Mass Market Device?

Most AAC users have multiple means of communicating – vocalization, gestures, sign, boards, books, hi-tech devices

Never eliminate the “old” AAC until the “new” AAC is fully accepted and utilized

Always have a back up plan

Many Systems, Multiple Modalities

From simplest, most concrete

to most complex and abstract

But does the user have to begin at the beginning? NO. When in doubt err on the side of more language, and rule out higher levels of abstraction before moving to the object level.

These systems have been presented a certain order…