https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09 This wall explores different options for high-tech alternative or augmentative communication or AAC. AAC tools are a variety of applications and individual devices that provide those who do not communicate verbally or manually, with a means to communicate clearly and effectively. en-us 2018-02-13 20:45:47 UTC 2023-04-06 19:18:15 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Pictureland.png maureenrabbitt4 https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/231298908 This link provides information about AAC from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association, the official professional association that oversees professions regarding speech, language, and hearing.]]> 2018-02-13 21:14:31 UTC https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/231298908 maureenrabbitt4 https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/231299906 High-tech AAC looks different depending on what is being used. Here are a few images of "high tech" AAC.]]> 2018-02-13 21:17:12 UTC https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/231299906 maureenrabbitt4 https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/236745741 Sentence Shaper is one computer application one can use to create fluent speech in their own voice. It allows one to use built in words, say words they do know, and move and change the order of them to create fluent language. It was developed for those who have aphasia (a language impairment due to brain damage), however it can be used for anyone with language impairments. ]]> 2018-03-01 01:49:41 UTC https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/236745741 maureenrabbitt4 https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/236748263 Besides iPad and computer applications, there are also high-tech devices that have been developed to solely serve as AAC devices. These are still common because it is easier to have insurance cover an AAC device than an iPad and an expensive application to put on the iPad. One example of a common device is Lingraphica. Those who use Lingraphica can select any of the 4000+ words in its vocabulary to create sentences and make simple requests. Here is the link for their "Touch Talk" device.]]> 2018-03-01 02:02:11 UTC https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/236748263 maureenrabbitt4 https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/236750526 This is a video from the highly revered Cincinnati Children's hospital explaining AAC and the range of forms it can take. ]]> 2018-03-01 02:15:46 UTC https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/236750526 maureenrabbitt4 https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/236751271 This can be a tough question. In a world where most of the population communicates using voice or sign language, it can be hard to think you or your child would communicate any other way. One can work with a team of individuals in choosing an AAC device, but here is some information that parents and users should be armed with before going into an AAC evaluation. ]]> 2018-03-01 02:20:13 UTC https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/236751271 maureenrabbitt4 https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/236753842 AAC devices can even be fitted to power-chairs for those with multiple disabilities. These users can also use easily accessible switches and mouses fitted to their chairs. ]]> 2018-03-01 02:34:18 UTC https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/236753842 maureenrabbitt4 https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/236755477 Oftentimes, one does not go right to an AAC device, for they require a lot of treatment and therapy for one to be able to use the, efficiently to communicate. Oftentimes, children will use lower tech AAC (such as Picture-exchange communication systems aka PECS) before advancing to a high-technology device or application. Here is a picture of a child using PECS.]]> 2018-03-01 02:44:07 UTC https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/236755477 maureenrabbitt4 https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/236756582 For those with physical disabilities along with communication difficulties, the movement associated with using AAC devices can be difficult. Many devices allow item selection using eye-gaze. Here is a video showing how a child can use eye gaze to possibly use for a communication system. ]]> 2018-03-01 02:50:57 UTC https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/236756582 maureenrabbitt4 https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/237069645 Below is a form a Speech Language Pathologist, technology specialist, case manager, or occupational therapist might use when attending an initial AC team meeting. Legally, parents are invited to these meetings, and if the time does not work for the parent, they have the right to reschedule it for a time that works for them. By having this form, parents and advocates of possible AAC users are preapred for these evaluation meetings. ]]> 2018-03-01 17:52:34 UTC https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/237069645 maureenrabbitt4 https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/237074794 This whole process of adding in assistive technology or augmentative and alternative communication to a child's lifestyle and Individual education plan can be confusing. Here is a chart explaining the whole process of implementing AT in meeting you or your child's educational goals.]]> 2018-03-01 18:00:00 UTC https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/237074794 maureenrabbitt4 https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/237078252 Here is an example of a basic screen for an AAC device and the items and "words" that it provides. ON many devices, the items can be added, taken away, or changed based on the users needs.]]> 2018-03-01 18:05:02 UTC https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/237078252 maureenrabbitt4 https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/237213329 These devices and applications do more than simply string simple words together. Here is a video of a woman who had a stroke and is now using AAC as her primary way of communication. It is also good to note that this woman has most likely received extensive therapy and training on her device.]]> 2018-03-01 22:18:28 UTC https://padlet.com/maureenrabbitt4/scar7nl89i09/wish/237213329