AAC -SLP Praxis with solutions
AAC stands for... - Augmentative and alternative communication
Define AAC - Any form of communication that is used in addition to or in place of speech
Aided vs. Unaided AAC - Aided AAC: communication that uses an external device
Unaided AAC: communication uses only the structures and functions of a person
Examples of aided AAC - PECS
Picture board
Device
Switch
Examples of unaided AAC - Speech
Gestures
Sign language
What is a dedicated system? - An AAC system that is strictly used for communication
purposes. The primary purpose of these items is AAC communication
Examples of a dedicated system. - Dynovox
PECS
What is a non-dedicated system? - A system that is used for other main functions outside
of communication (i.e. internet, word processing)
Examples of a non-dedicated system. - PC with communication software
iPod/ iTouch with Proloquo app
What are attitudinal boundaries? Give examples. - Feelings (user or people surrounding)
that negatively impact the use of the AAC in an effective manner
, i.e. Learned helplessness, Assuming the user cannot communicate, Not providing the user an
opportunity to communicate
Learned helplessness - The user fails to even attempt to communicate (People have
always talked for them)
What are availability boundaries? Give examples. - Factors that prevent an AAC user from
actually having a system or device on hand for use.
i.e. Lack of loaner, Lack of confidence in the person giving a referral, Device is shared, No one
knows how to program, Device must be kept at school
What are accessibility boundaries? Give examples. - Factors that physically prevent a client
from using an AAC system
i.e. Not given optimal point of access, Wrong seating/positioning, Mobility and behavior were
not considered
Main types of AAC system access - Direct selection
Scanning
Direct selection - User points to, touches, chooses a selection directly with their finger or
an extended finger, etc.
Scanning - Different selections are highlighted (usually by row then column) and the user
makes a choice when the desired selection is highlighted
Usually done by switch system (1= automatic scanning & 2= one to scan, other to choose)
Scanning as a method of access - Tedious and time consuming method, where even the
proficient users aim to be "less-slow"
*Try to use any other method!!
Core Language - Basic set of words that has been found through research to be used
most of the time (across race, age, gender, and situation)
AAC stands for... - Augmentative and alternative communication
Define AAC - Any form of communication that is used in addition to or in place of speech
Aided vs. Unaided AAC - Aided AAC: communication that uses an external device
Unaided AAC: communication uses only the structures and functions of a person
Examples of aided AAC - PECS
Picture board
Device
Switch
Examples of unaided AAC - Speech
Gestures
Sign language
What is a dedicated system? - An AAC system that is strictly used for communication
purposes. The primary purpose of these items is AAC communication
Examples of a dedicated system. - Dynovox
PECS
What is a non-dedicated system? - A system that is used for other main functions outside
of communication (i.e. internet, word processing)
Examples of a non-dedicated system. - PC with communication software
iPod/ iTouch with Proloquo app
What are attitudinal boundaries? Give examples. - Feelings (user or people surrounding)
that negatively impact the use of the AAC in an effective manner
, i.e. Learned helplessness, Assuming the user cannot communicate, Not providing the user an
opportunity to communicate
Learned helplessness - The user fails to even attempt to communicate (People have
always talked for them)
What are availability boundaries? Give examples. - Factors that prevent an AAC user from
actually having a system or device on hand for use.
i.e. Lack of loaner, Lack of confidence in the person giving a referral, Device is shared, No one
knows how to program, Device must be kept at school
What are accessibility boundaries? Give examples. - Factors that physically prevent a client
from using an AAC system
i.e. Not given optimal point of access, Wrong seating/positioning, Mobility and behavior were
not considered
Main types of AAC system access - Direct selection
Scanning
Direct selection - User points to, touches, chooses a selection directly with their finger or
an extended finger, etc.
Scanning - Different selections are highlighted (usually by row then column) and the user
makes a choice when the desired selection is highlighted
Usually done by switch system (1= automatic scanning & 2= one to scan, other to choose)
Scanning as a method of access - Tedious and time consuming method, where even the
proficient users aim to be "less-slow"
*Try to use any other method!!
Core Language - Basic set of words that has been found through research to be used
most of the time (across race, age, gender, and situation)
