Identifying the Core Vocabulary for Adults With Complex Communication Needs From the British National Corpus by Analyzing Grouped Frequency Distributions

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Sangeun Shin ◽  
HyunJu Park ◽  
Katya Hill
Keyword(s):  
Word Frequency ◽  
Frequency Distribution ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Distinct Pattern ◽  
Complex Communication Needs ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
British National Corpus ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Core Vocabulary ◽  
National Corpus

Purpose This study is aimed to identify the high-frequency vocabulary (HFV), otherwise termed “core vocabulary” for adults with complex communication needs. Method Three major characteristics of the HFV—a relatively small number of different words (NDW), a relatively high word frequency, and a high word commonality across speakers—were examined so as not to lose any candidate words for the HFV. Specifically, instead of applying the traditionally used cutoff word frequency of 0.5‰, a grouped frequency distribution was used to examine the appropriate frequency ranges to determine the HFV candidates. To improve the representativeness of the HFV across ages, social backgrounds, conversation situations, and topics, 330,000 spoken words of 66 adults (29 men and 37 women; M age = 45.47 years, SD = 16.07) were extracted from the British National Corpus database for analysis. Results A distinct pattern of NDW was observed from the frequency of 0.1‰ in the grouped frequency distribution. In total, 671 words were found to be candidates for the HFV, accounting for 90.94% of the total sample words. After the word commonality analysis indicated at least 80% commonality across speakers, 203 words were selected for the final HFV; accountability was calculated at 80.62%. Conclusions With the innovative word analysis approach, this study provided an HFV list that can be used for a wide range of conversation topics. This method provides a scientific and principled approach to identifying and organizing vocabulary for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention that does not exist in many AAC resources that promote “core vocabulary” with identifying the source for vocabulary selection.

Introduction to the Special Issue: Communication Intervention for Individuals with Complex Communication Needs

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 767-773
Author(s):  
Jeff Sigafoos ◽  
Cindy Gevarter
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Complex Communication Needs ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
History Of ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Everyday Communication ◽  
Vocal Speech ◽  
Conceptual Overview

Individuals with complex communication needs are likely to experience considerable difficulties and challenges with everyday communication interactions due to limited use and understanding of natural speech. In this editorial, we review the nature of complex communication needs, describe the wide range of individuals who may experience such needs, and provide a brief history of behavioral approaches to addressing these needs. We also highlight the six papers in this special issue that contribute to the further understanding of the use of behavioral intervention approaches for addressing complex communication needs. These papers include one conceptual overview of aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions for individuals with complex communication needs, four intervention studies addressing a range of communicative topographies (i.e., vocal speech, AAC, and a social messaging app), and one systematic review examining interventions that promote communicative response variability. These six papers highlight the diversity of complex communication needs and emphasize the importance of examining the efficacy of a wide range of individualized behavioral approaches that are matched to specific needs and goals.

An Exploratory Study on Augmentative and Alternative Communication Classroom Integration Training for Special Educators Who Work With Children With Complex Communication Needs in the Bahamas

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 991-1016
Author(s):  
Shameka Stanford ◽  
Ovetta Harris
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Special Educators ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
The Bahamas ◽  
Complex Communication Needs ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Classroom Integration ◽  
And Training

Purpose In 2011, the United Nations estimated there were between 180 and 220 million youth with disabilities living around the world, and 80% of them resided in developing countries. Over the last 6 years, this number has increased significantly, and now, over 1 million people live in the Caribbean with some form of disability such as communication disorders resulting in complex communication needs (CCN). Method This publication discusses the benefits of an exploratory, descriptive, nonexperimental study on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) classroom integration training for 8 special educators in the Bahamas who work with children with CCN. Results The results of this study revealed that 100% of the participants reported the study to be effective in increasing their knowledge and skill in the area of implementing AAC into their classrooms, enhancing their ability to team teach and incorporate AAC opportunities for all students with CCN within their classrooms, and increasing their knowledge and skill overall in the areas of AAC and CCN. Conclusion The findings highlight an important area of potential professional development and training that can be replicated in other English-speaking Caribbean territories focused on AAC classroom integration training program for special educators who teach students with CCN.

Developing an Effective Framework for the Augmentative and Alternative Communication Evaluation Process

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celeste R. Helling ◽  
Jamila Minga
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Complex Communication Needs ◽  
Expressive Communication ◽  
Communication Evaluation ◽  
Communication Needs

A comprehensive augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) evaluation is critical to providing a viable means of expressive communication for nonverbal people with complex communication needs. Although a number of diagnostic tools are available to assist AAC practitioners with the assessment process, there is a need to tailor the evaluation process to the specific communication needs of the AAC user. The purpose of this paper is to provide a basis for developing an effective and clinically driven framework for approaching a user-tailored AAC evaluation process.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Assessment in the Schools

2008 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa A. Proctor ◽  
Jill Oswalt
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Receptive Language ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Literacy Assessment ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Complex Communication Needs ◽  
Communication Assessment ◽  
School Based ◽  
Main Portion ◽  
Communication Needs

Abstract The purpose of this article is to review augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessment issues in the schools. Initially, the article discusses the role and responsibilities of school-based speech-language pathologists in the assessment of children with complex communication needs. Next, the article briefly reflects on the importance of teaming in device selection for children with AAC needs. The main portion of the article provides information on assessment tools and resources related to comprehensive assessment for children with complex communication needs. This includes information on assessment of speech production and the relevance in AAC assessment. This is followed by tools and resources for receptive language and expressive language assessment. Also included in this main section is information on tools that examine academic and social participation. Finally, information on literacy assessment for student with complex communication needs is provided. The intent of the article is to provide the reader with a brief overview of assessment tools and resources for children with complex communication needs.

New Car, Same Principles: Using Language Development Theories to Drive the Design of Supportive Augmentative and Alternative Communication System Interfaces

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (12) ◽  
pp. 40-54
Author(s):  
Jamie B. Boster ◽  
Joann P. Benigno ◽  
John W. McCarthy
Keyword(s):  
Language Development ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Developmental Theory ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Complex Communication Needs ◽  
Communication Devices ◽  
Development Of Language ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
System Interfaces ◽  
Language Content

Innovations in technology have resulted in increased use of tablets, mobile devices, and applications as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems for children with complex communication needs (CCN). Although research has been conducted on the specific characteristics of AAC technologies, many interfaces remain replications of prior communication devices with little consideration of the features of newer platforms. A greater concern is that these interfaces may not be based on empirical evidence or derived from key developmental language theories. As such, these interfaces may place additional demands on children with CCN instead of supporting their development of language content, form, and use. The purpose of this paper is to discuss potential interface supports for AAC systems that capitalize on current technologies and draw upon key tenets of developmental theory.

scholarly journals Promoting Social Equality in Inclusive Education: Mapping the Experience of Parents of Children who Rely on Augmentative and Alternative Communication

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianna Gregoriou ◽  
◽  
Eliada Pampoulou ◽  
George Milis ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Socioeconomic Background ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Complex Communication Needs ◽  
One Stop ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Education Of Students ◽  
Support Students ◽  
Depth Interviews

Inclusive education aims for equal opportunities to be provided to all children regardless of their socioeconomic background, genre, or disability. There are various technological tools that can support the inclusive education of students with complex communication needs. Despite the fact that the parents’ roles in supporting pupils with disabilities is vital, to date, there has been a lack of research investigating the roles of Cypriot parents of these children. The research aim was to explore the experiences of parents on the island who support students with complex communication needs, regarding how they perceive their roles as parents. In-depth interviews were conducted with six parents of children aged five to twelve years. Data were analysed based on thematic analysis. The findings show that parents of children with complex communication needs in Cyprus have a number of roles when it comes to supporting their children in communicating with others. They attend training sessions to acquire the necessary skills to communicate effectively with their children. They also act as communicating partners with friends, relatives and others. In addition, they act as advocates of their children both in the school, as well as in the wider community. It is vital that a number of online platforms are made openly available in order to increase knowledge and skills on issues related to AAC and inclusion. Of note is the MYHUB Inclusion Hub Platform (www.inclusion-hub.eu) which offers a one-stop-shop for inclusion practices, tools, resources and methods addressed to the pedagogical staff in formal and non-formal educational settings.

Supporting Aided Augmentative and Alternative Communication Interventions for Individuals With Complex Communication Needs via Telepractice: A Tutorial

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Jessica Simacek ◽  
Sanikan Wattanawongwan ◽  
Joe Reichle ◽  
Jolene Hyppa-Martin ◽  
Lauren Pierson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Health Care Disparities ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Complex Communication Needs ◽  
Support Person ◽  
Intervention Delivery ◽  
Barriers To Access ◽  
Communication Needs

Purpose People who experience complex communication needs often benefit from interventions involving augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). However, barriers often prevent people from accessing high-quality AAC interventions. The COVID-19 pandemic likely further disrupted the onset or continuity of intervention. Furthermore, people with complex communication needs are typically at greater risk of experiencing health care disparities in general, particularly when people are culturally and linguistically diverse or reside in rural areas. Telepractice has supported the delivery of AAC interventions as an alternative model to replace or supplement in-person services during the pandemic. Considerations for how telepractice can continue to support intervention delivery to address barriers to access are discussed in this tutorial. Method We provide an overview of telepractice applications, guidance, and resources to support practitioners in developing and providing evidence-based AAC interventions via telepractice. We provide functional examples, sample questions, and practice resources (e.g., American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, National Telehealth Consortium). We describe intervention activities, discuss relevant literature, and address practice implications from our own research. Results We propose arrangements for initial planning for telepractice by the practitioner providing the intervention or consultation (for ease and clarity, this role is referred to as the “tele-provider”). We also discuss how to support recipients of these services, which likely include the person who communicates using AAC as well as a family member/caregiver or direct support person who is in the same physical location and who facilitates intervention implementation (for ease and clarity, this individual is referred to as the eHelper). Conclusions Telepractice has been necessary for many practitioners to provide AAC intervention continuity when in-person services have been unavailable during the pandemic. As this need resolves, telepractice is an important consideration for future innovation in AAC intervention delivery for greater access to supports and services. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.16620223

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