Assitive Technology Review:Augmentative/Alternative Communication Devices

By Terrence R. Bomar

What are they used for? Augmentative and alternative communication

(AAC) is a term used to describe items that are used to help a person communicate when their spoken to through pictures, symbols, or printed words.

There are numerous items that can be used to increase or “augment” a individuals ability to communicate.

How are they used? An individual inputs phrases, pressing a

key/icon, which activates the device’s speech capabilities; giving out digitalized speech sounds.

Vocabulary sets are programmed into these devices and are set up based to an individuals educational and communicative needs.

Many AAC devices vary from the use of pictures to being portable as well.

What else are they used for?AAC devices can also be used to:• Write Papers• Take Notes• Complete Exams• Browse the Internet

Examples of Mid/High Tech AAC DevicesVociepal Max

Enables people who can not speak to communicate with others.

Messages can be played back by direct selection using the onboard keyboard. Has external jacks.

$474.00 - $525.00

Technology for Education, Inc.1870 50th Street E, Suite 7Inver Grove Heights,  MN 55077Toll Free:     1-800-370-0047Phone:   651-457-1917Fax:       651-457-3534Website:   http://www.tfeinc.com

Chat Line Direct Relays a message for the non-

speaking user.

Programmable message chips play 5 second message when corresponding button is pressed. Yellow, red, green, and orange buttons can also be utilized with switches.

$150.00

Flaghouse Inc.601 Flaghouse Dr.Hasbrouck Heights,  NJ 07604-3116Toll Free:     800-793-7900Phone:   201-288-7600Fax:       800-793-7922Website:   http://www.flaghouse.com

When are they used? An individual should be considered for a

augmentative communication when:1. There is a difference between an individuals

comprehension of language and their ability to communicate.

2. There is a delayed use of language that interferes with the individuals communicational skills.

3. The individuals speech is incomprehensive to their peers.

AAC Video Clip! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v

=_1QIhWa_4_A

Additional Information In the school setting, the first place to look for

devices is the district’s Speech/Language Pathologist.

If not there, a SLP or Assistive Technology Consultant can help determining what specific device will augment the students skills.

Helpful Websites: http://aac.unl.edu www.aacintervention.com www.lburkhart.com www.dotolearn.com

Work Cited www.assistive.net. National Public Website on Assistive

Technology. Retrieved on September 25, 2008.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1QIhWa_4_A. YouTube.com. Retrieved on September 25th, 2008.

Reed, P. & Laham, E. (2005) Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (general addition).

Salend, S. (2008) Creating Inclusive Classrooms: Effective and Reflective Practices; Sixth Edition. Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ.