scholarly journals Implementing augmentative and alternative communication at a rehabilitation & educational center (specialists’ inteinteraction with the family)

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3(57)) ◽  
pp. 129-143
Author(s):  
Aneta Maria Kochanowicz
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Communication Devices ◽  
Close Cooperation ◽  
Practical Effect ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Individual Conversations

Close cooperation between the home environment and the educational setting is an important element of the effectiveness of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The author’s aim was to examine the quality of this cooperation using the example (case study) of one of Poland’s Rehabilitation and Education Centers (OREs) in Wrocław. The author carried out an evaluation study in parallel with the center’s internal evaluation. She used a survey addressed to teach- ers, specialists, and parents, as well as individual conversations, docu- ment analysis, and observation. The practical effect of the evaluation study was the formulation of detailed recommendations for the cent- er. The author stated that the effectiveness of implementing AAC in work with children and young people—OREs’ participants—is low, mainly due to the inharmonious cooperation between the families and the educational center. The second important factor is the uneven use of AAC in both settings. Teachers and specialists use almost all situations during the day to establish communication with the ORE participants—they employ a variety of communication meth- ods and utilize the most modern devices—while parents, who have difficulties adequately using AAC at home, point to the high costs of the communication devices.

AAC Collaboration Using the Self-Anchored Rating Scales (SARS): An Aphasia Case Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 136-143
Author(s):  
Lynn E. Fox
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Therapeutic Process ◽  
Family Counseling ◽  
The Self ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Her Family ◽  
Solution Focused

Abstract The self-anchored rating scale (SARS) is a technique that augments collaboration between Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) interventionists, their clients, and their clients' support networks. SARS is a technique used in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, a branch of systemic family counseling. It has been applied to treating speech and language disorders across the life span, and recent case studies show it has promise for promoting adoption and long-term use of high and low tech AAC. I will describe 2 key principles of solution-focused therapy and present 7 steps in the SARS process that illustrate how clinicians can use the SARS to involve a person with aphasia and his or her family in all aspects of the therapeutic process. I will use a case study to illustrate the SARS process and present outcomes for one individual living with aphasia.

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 Communication Support for People with ALS

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Beukelman ◽  
Susan Fager ◽  
Amy Nordness
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Motor Speech ◽  
Motor Speech Disorder ◽  
Speech Performance ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Almost all people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) experience a motor speech disorder, such as dysarthria, as the disease progresses. At some point, 80 to of people with ALS are unable to meet their daily communication needs using natural speech. Unfortunately, once intelligibility begins to decrease, speech performance often deteriorates so rapidly that there is little time to implement an appropriate augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention; therefore, appropriate timing of referral for AAC assessment and intervention continues to be a most important clinical decision-making issue. AAC acceptance and use have increased considerably during the past decade. Many people use AAC until within a few weeks of their deaths.

Thomas the Writer

1995 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doreen M. Blischak
Keyword(s):  
Literacy Development ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Second Grade ◽  
Language And Literacy ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Central Vision ◽  
Grade Classroom

A case study is presented to describe the development of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and literacy skills by a 9-year-old child, Thomas, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and a central vision impairment. Thomas’s development and progress from birth to second grade is chronicled. Development and use of his AAC system also is described, along with activities for language and literacy development and his inclusion in a second grade classroom.

scholarly journals An AAC Mobile-Based Application for People with Intellectual Disability: A Case Study in Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Mauro José Conte ◽  
Marcelo Gitirana Gomes Ferreira ◽  
Alejandro R. García Ramírez
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Educational Value ◽  
Rehabilitation Process ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
System Usability

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) techniques are employed to mediate communication with people who have communication disorders, as in cases of intellectual disability. Although there are various digital solutions that promote alternative communication options for individuals with communication disorders, only a few of them have been specifically designed or targeted to people with intellectual disability (ID). This work is motivated by the lack of AAC solutions contributing to the rehabilitation processes of individuals with intellectual disability in Brazil. The study presents a mobile-based AAC solution conceived as a tool to assist the rehabilitation process of people with ID. The design was based on user-centered design principles and accessibility standards. The System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire was used to evaluate the solution. Four specialists and twenty-five students participated in this study. The proposed solution shows the potential educational value for professionals who assist individuals with intellectual disability in Brazil.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document