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Bringing AAC HomeThis training is for parents/caregivers of individuals who use low or high technology augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). We will discuss ways to make AAC part of your familys everyday life, gradually and seamlessly, without disrupting your routine. We will also look at how to include siblings, extended family members and personal care attendants to be the best communication partners possible.

Kate Ahern, M.S.Ed.Camp Communicate 2013A Note about the Photos and VideosAll photos/videos not created by charities in this presentation are the respective property of the individuals in them and/or their parents or guardians.I have permission to use these photos/videos that permission does not extend to the audience photographing or filming them or sharing any downloaded hand outsPlease be respectful of the rights of these familiesSpecial Thanks to Shannon and Jeanne Molloy; Nik and Beth Anderson; Samantha, Kevin, Alison and Ana Burke; Graham and Randi Sargent, Jordan and Stephanie Brown for permission to use the photos and videos!AgendaAAC Intro/Review (optional)Part One: Simple Steps for Positive AAC Experiences: The MMM Method MotivateModelMove Out of the WayPart Two:Communication CompetenciesSocial/PragmaticLinguisticOperationalStrategicBonus Competency Self-AdvocacyBonus One: AAC in the WorldBonus Two: Becoming a Communication Coach

AAC ReviewAugmentative and Alternative Communication is any method of non-verbal communication with adds to or replaces spoken languageIncludes gestures, sign language, spelling, communication board, recorded speech devices, high technology devices and more

What is AAC? Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3m8_YmTDDMWhy AAC? Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5ZlUnU8OeoThe Least Dangerous Assumption"The least dangerous assumption is the premise that (in the absence of evidence) we believe we not yet found a way to make it so a child or adult with a disability "can" instead of believing he or she "can't."

AKA

"Presume Competence"

Donnellan, Anne, (1984) "The Criterion of the Least Dangerous Assumption" Behavioral Disorders, v9 n2 p141-50 Feb 1984 (print copy not available).

Rossetti, Zach and Tashie, Carol (2002) "Outing the prejudice: Making the least dangerous assumption." The Communicator: Newsletter of the Autism National Committee, 2002. downloaded from inclusivelife.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/least-dangerous-assumption.pdf on June 30 2010.

Communication Bill of Rights

Make real choicesRefuse, reject, say noAsk for what I wantShare feelingsBe heard and responded to even if the answer is noAsk for and get attention and interactionHave and use AAC all the timeKnow and ask about my schedule

Be taught how to communicateBe a full member of my communityBe treated with respect and dignityTo spoken to and not aboutBe communicated with in a sensitive manner

AAC at home? How?Set small goals that work towards full time communication system useBreak it down into things you can doIf possible get AAC training in your home from school, vendor or an agency like Easter SealsTake webinars and online coursesJoin social networking groups with others in your situationIf you stumble or stop dont be afraid to try again and again never give up!Breaking it DownSet it and forget it!MMMMotivateModelMove out of the way!Grow the vocabulary!

Set it and Forget it!Set it and forget it! -Set up and turn on the speech device and then take the focus off of it. The device is a tool. It is your child's voice but in reality the focus is on interaction and connection. The more you try to focus on the device and just asking questions of your child or insisting they "find _____" the less motivating communication will be. Once the device is set up...

MotivateFocus on the fun or connection in an activity or family situation. Around the dinner table? Don't force asking to pass the peas or for a glass of milk - boring! Instead tell jokes, share about your day and encourage interaction. Focus on comments, descriptions and the AAC user asking, not answering, questions. Make communicatingirresistible and then...

ModelModel - language in equals language out (to paraphraseLinda Burkhart). Fancy word for this is Aided Language StimulationNumber one way to increase AAC skills is ALS!The device is set up, you have a topic at hand and it is fun. NowYOUuse the device. Have your other children use the device. Have visitors use the device. Communicate with the device as you communicate with your voice. Want to say that something is awesome? Use the device! Want to tell someone to quiet down? Use the device!Show, don't tell, how to use AAC to communicate

Move Out of the WayLeave the device set up, there is no such thing as "device time being over" or "being too tired". If someone is too tired to communicate then they just won't say anything. It is fine to have a device set up and then not say anything! Moving out of the way means letting life unfold and being ready for the surprises your child throws are you. You never know what someone will to say until you give them the time and space to say it!Encourage talking to yourself!

Increase Vocabulary Before it is NeededIf there is nothing to say then they wont say anything!Start somewhere between where you think they are and where you want them to be in your wildest dreamsIncrease vocabulary so there is always more to learn to sayImagine a life of only being able to say, potty, cookie and more!!!

Create a Communication Rich Home EnvironmentThe device is on and ready at all times, you may need to build up to this but it is the goalFamily members use the system when talking to the AAC userLabel everything possible not just with nouns but core words as wellHave posted core word boards or other materials

Involve SiblingsHarness their innate tech saavyEncourage them to model using the deviceInsist they respect communications made with the deviceAsk for their input on what cool language should be programmedTeach older siblings how to program

What is lite, mid or backup tech?Spelling boardsPaper based booksCore word boardsOlder, but still useable communication systemsVoice output switches

AAC on the Go: Lite Tech and Back-up SystemsOne Universal Truth high tech systems breakAnd there are some places high tech isnt a great idea Have a plan for communication for when that happensWhat will you use?Where will you use it?How will you implement it?When will it be ready for use? Make it BEFORE you need it!

I still have something to say.Access in unusual places might take creativity. Can you mount the system? In bedNear the couch?The dinner table?Can you add accessories to make it work out?Can you use a lite tech version?The hassle is always worth allowing the human right of communication!

What makes a competent AAC user?Social/Pragmatic SkillsAbility greet and say good byeAbility to take turnsAbility to stay on topicOperational SkillsTurn device on and offControl volumeAdjust settingsProgram own deviceLinguistic/LanguageReceptive/ understanding languageVocabularyGrammar

StrategicKnowing when others dont get itAbility to fix mistakesAbility to problem solveBonus Skill: Self-AdvocacyDirect own careGive directionsAbuse prevention/reportingExplain needs and how they should be met Based on the Research of Janice Light, Ph.D. Techniques to TryPrompt Hierarchynatural cuegestural cueindirect verbal cue (hinting)direct verbal cue (telling)modelinglight physical/touch cuefull physical cue

Techniques to TryNeed to make self understood make results depend on communicationNeed to ask for more materials in view but not accessibleNeed to ask for help - user could need assistance with some materialsNeed to ask for more - provide small or inadequate amounts of materialsNeed to explain sweetly sabotage a situationNeed to ask for correction - provide something the student doesnt like/want

AAC in the World

MountingMount should allow access for the userShould be easy (enough) to set upShould allow transfers if possiblePutting on mount and device should be part of EVERY transfer into the chair and every arrival out of the car or van. Make set up a habit.Hang a card with visual, step-by-step instruction on the wheelchair or other mobility deviceAAC in the WorldCarrying Newer devices are lighter weightChild should carry him or herself if possibleMake sure carry case or strap is comfortable for longer outings, add padding or adjust as neededBest case scenario is access to communicate while walking/moving around

AAC in the WorldLife is messy!Check with vendor on how to best prevent scratches and spillsUse a stick on screen shield to prevent scratchesA gallon ziploc bag (and some duct tape) can often prevent splashes in cooking, art and drizzling rainIf the military can use computers in war, in the desert then our AAC users can use them at lunch and at the mall. (The water park might be another story!)

AAC in the World

New people!From waitresses to the pharmacist or dentist your child should be able to speak for him or her selfConsider having cards to hand out with an explanationMake sure volume is loud enough to be heard before you arrive (unless you are going to the library!)Consider prepping some people, especially if you will see them more than one and then hanging backHave a set of one liners ready, Dont look at me, I, just the wheelchair pusher!: Resources Communication Bills of Rights Posters http://bit.ly/16AvGvuOriginal Motivate, Model, Move Out of the Way http://bit.ly/SyUpJw Living the Least Dangerous Assumption Article http://bit.ly/17dwLxs

Questions?Kate Ahernkahern@eastersealsma.org

More Information on Easter Seals AAC Services at: http://ma.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=MADR_athome

Phew! Thats it!