AAC & Dysarthria

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 120-127
Author(s):  
Elizabeth K. Hanson
Keyword(s):  
Decision Process ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Need To Evaluate ◽  
Communication Challenges ◽  
Dysarthric Speech ◽  
Attitude And Motivation

The purpose of this article is to provide speech-language pathologists with a systematic decision-making process to guide evaluation and implementation of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and strategies for persons with dysarthric speech. Three cases are described, which are combined profiles of different clients with similar etiologies and communication challenges. Clinicians are guided to consider whether the underlying condition is temporary or permanent and the prognosis for improved speech. Prognoses may be chronic and stable, improving, or there may be an expectation of deterioration of speech and overall health. Clinicians are guided to consider the communicator's attitude and motivation and to identify communication partners and their motivation to achieve better communication. The contributions of various speech intelligibility and effectiveness measures are considered, as well as the specific need to evaluate language, literacy, and symbolic understanding. The decision process leads to high-tech and low-tech AAC strategies for each case.

Facilitating Family and Client Involvement in the SGD Evaluation and Decision Process

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 135-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela R. Mitchell ◽  
Robin Alvares
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Family Involvement ◽  
Decision Process ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Family Engagement ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
General Consensus ◽  
Family Engagement And Empowerment

There is general consensus that client and family involvement in the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) evaluation and decision process is associated with positive outcomes (Angelo, 2000; Bailey, Parette, Stoner, Angell, & Carroll, 2006; Parette & Angelo, 1996). This paper explores the importance of client and family involvement, summarizes research-based strategies that have been associated with improvements in family involvement and team collaborations, and presents clinically applicable strategies that may be used to foster client and family engagement and empowerment in the AAC decision-making process.

AAC Considerations for Individuals With Angelman Syndrome

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 106-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen N. Calculator
Keyword(s):  
Angelman Syndrome ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Design And Implementation

Purpose To provide an overview of communication characteristics exhibited by individuals with Angelman Syndrome (AS) and special considerations associated with the design and implementation of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) programs. Method Results of recent studies exploring individuals' uses of AAC are reviewed, with particular emphasis on factors related to individuals' acceptance and successful uses of AAC systems. Results Not applicable Conclusion Despite their inconsistent access to practices previously found to foster individuals' acceptance of AAC systems, individuals with AS demonstrate the ability to use AAC systems, including high-tech AAC devices, successfully.

AAC Decision-Making and Mobile Technology: Points to Ponder

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Ann Abbott ◽  
Debby McBride
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Communication System ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Ipod Touch ◽  
Feature Match

The purpose of this article is to outline a decision-making process and highlight which portions of the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) evaluation process deserve special attention when deciding which features are required for a communication system in order to provide optimal benefit for the user. The clinician then will be able to use a feature-match approach as part of the decision-making process to determine whether mobile technology or a dedicated device is the best choice for communication. The term mobile technology will be used to describe off-the-shelf, commercially available, tablet-style devices like an iPhone®, iPod Touch®, iPad®, and Android® or Windows® tablet.

Guidelines for Teaching Speech-Language Pathologists About the AAC Assessment Process

2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 82-86
Author(s):  
Iris Fishman
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Feature Matching ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Team Process ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Although students may not become augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) clinical specialists, they often will work with individuals demonstrating complex communication needs who benefit from AAC. This necessitates knowledge of some basic principles of assessment including AAC assessment as a team process involving planning and implementing interventions for current and future communication needs; the inclusion of no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech communication systems; and assessing communication needs with partners in the individual's social network. The assessment also must include a capability profile and feature matching to select the appropriate components of the AAC system. Because the system we provide for today will become the system we use tomorrow, assessment must be considered an ongoing process throughout the lifespan of the individual.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems for the Motor Disabled

2016 ◽  
pp. 680-727
Author(s):  
Alexandros Pino
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Source Model ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Motor Disabilities ◽  
Symbolic Communication ◽  
Motor Problems ◽  
Software Lifecycle

This chapter discusses Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for individuals with motor disabilities. Motor disabilities do not only affect movement, but very often also affect speech. In these cases where voice is very weak, speech is unintelligible, or motor problems in the human speech production systems do not allow a person to speak, AAC is introduced. Aided and unaided communication is explained, and low and high tech AAC examples are illustrated. The ITHACA framework for building AAC applications is used as a paradigm in order to highlight the AAC software lifecycle. The same framework is also used to highlight AAC software design issues concerning component-based development (the open source model and the Design for All principles). Key features of an AAC application like virtual keyboards, scanning techniques, symbol dashboards, symbolic communication systems, message editors, symbol translation, word prediction, text to speech, and remote communication are presented. Finally, practical hints for choosing an AAC system are given and a case study of informally evaluating is cited.

scholarly journals Developing the Alphabetic Principle to Aid Text-Based Augmentative and Alternative Communication Use by Adults With Low Speech Intelligibility and Intellectual Disabilities

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 397-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna C. Schmidt-Naylor ◽  
Kathryn J. Saunders ◽  
Nancy C. Brady
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Naming Task ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Probe Design ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Alphabetic Principle ◽  
Computer Based Training ◽  
Selection For

PurposeWe explored alphabet supplementation as an augmentative and alternative communication strategy for adults with minimal literacy. Study 1's goal was to teach onset-letter selection with spoken words and assess generalization to untaught words, demonstrating the alphabetic principle. Study 2 incorporated alphabet supplementation within a naming task and then assessed effects on speech intelligibility.MethodThree men with intellectual disabilities (ID) and low speech intelligibility participated. Study 1 used a multiple-probe design, across three 20-word sets, to show that our computer-based training improved onset-letter selection. We also probed generalization to untrained words. Study 2 taught onset-letter selection for 30 new words chosen for functionality. Five listeners transcribed speech samples of the 30 words in 2 conditions: speech only and speech with alphabet supplementation.ResultsAcross studies 1 and 2, participants demonstrated onset-letter selection for at least 90 words. Study 1 showed evidence of the alphabetic principle for some but not all word sets. In study 2, participants readily used alphabet supplementation, enabling listeners to understand twice as many words.ConclusionsThis is the first demonstration of alphabet supplementation in individuals with ID and minimal literacy. The large number of words learned holds promise both for improving communication and providing a foundation for improved literacy.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Service by Speech–Language Pathologists in Taiwan

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 176-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng-Ju Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
Communication Devices ◽  
And Training ◽  
Northern Taiwan

Speech language pathologists (SLPs) play a leading role in overall augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) service delivery. Several changes (e.g., the provision of university AAC courses) related to AAC occurred in Taiwan in the past. However, little information of AAC services provided by SLPs in Taiwan is available. The purpose of the article is to review the evolution of AAC service delivery by SLPs in Taiwan. Findings from Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong served as a reference. A questionnaire was mailed to 302 participants registered with the Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Taiwan (SLHA) as SLPs. A response rate is 33%. Most SLPs work in a department of rehabilitation in a hospital setting which is in northern Taiwan. Workshops held by the SLHA were the major resources for obtaining professional knowledge in AAC. Collaboration with an AAC team and training in the use of high-tech communication devices were the most desired forms of information and/or training. Implications are discussed.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication in the Geriatric Population: A Review of Literature

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 42-46
Author(s):  
Christopher Crema
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Complex Dynamic ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Vast Number ◽  
Communication Impairments ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract Speech-language pathologists working in the subacute rehabilitation setting often evaluate and treat patients with complex communication impairments. Many of these patients benefit from the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to facilitate expression of basic wants and needs. When it comes to implementing an AAC system into a care plan, there are a vast number of options available. A thorough evaluation is crucial when determining the most appropriate AAC system to use. These systems can range from gesturing, to a static overlay board, to a more complex, dynamic high tech device. Implementation of AAC systems has been proven to assist people with severe communication deficits that have been caused by a variety of medical conditions. Numerous studies have documented the efficacy of the use of AAC systems with individuals with traumatic brain injury, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and developmental disabilities. However, little has been documented regarding the use of AAC in the dementia, aphasia, and geriatric populations. This article will review the literature regarding the use of AAC with these populations.

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