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
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