Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices
There are many types of augmentative and alternative communication examples (AAC) that can be used to assist our students best. The best news is that our schools are equipped to help our students with communication. Our speech and language pathologists can be sure that support is in place for our students to be successful.
With technology continuously changing and enhancing, augmentative and alternative communication devices are cheaper, more user-friendly for our students, and more readily available than ever. As we are very familiar with laptops, tablets, and any type of personal devices this has meant a revolution for the AAC industry.
Speech Tablet
A very popular device among elementary/early childhood students is a speech tablet. When using these devices, students can communicate very much as if they were speaking by touching buttons containing words or phrases. This device is very effective for young students as it is very user-friendly, and they do not tend to have difficulties using it. A scaffolding approach and starting off slowly, and gradually, with as little as one or two buttons on a page is effective.
As we work with our students over time, increasing the number of buttons is recommended. Each page can hold as many as one hundred and forty-four pictures per page. One of the best features of this AAC device is that all of the buttons and pages can be easily customized to include a student or family’s own words, personalized pictures, several meaningful photos, and this allows for the device to fit the need of each student truly.
It fists the need and becomes so customized and relatable to them that it truly is individualized for each student. The speech tablet also grows with its owner. As the students add more words to their vocabulary, the device holds more and more pages to assist the students in progressing with their communication skills. If words are no longer needed, or pictures need updating, changes can be made whenever is convenient for the user. The speech table also offers the flexibility of knowing several different languages. This allows for native language not to become a barrier for anyone with an ACC device.
An example of a speech tablet is Goally’s AAC tablet, which uses language learning strategies proven to help our nonverbal and limited language students develop language and independence skills. One of the greatest benefits is that it is completely customizable down to the audio cues. This device uses visual modeling and a simple user interface. This truly is a great option for learning at home and can also be taken along anywhere the student may go.
Apps
Many AAC companies make app versions of their devices so you can download them on a smartphone or tablet for the child to use. These are often cheaper than purchasing a dedicated device. Several apps do not need the user to be connected to Wi-Fi. LetMeTalk is a kid-friendly app that supports several languages as well as uses images to create a meaningful way of reading.
Because of its many customizable features, the Proloquo2Go app is another popular app that many families find useful to assist with communication needs. TouchChat is a full-featured communication solution app for individuals who have difficulty using their natural voice. The TouchChat app offers a dynamic communication solution with very easy-to-customize features and a wide range of vocabularies, languages, and voices.
The widespread introduction of tablet computers has meant a revolution for the AAC industry. A number of AAC applications such as Proloquo2Go, and Touch Chat, have been developed, bringing with them a perfectly valid solution with a relatively low cost, widespread availability and attractiveness of the devices.
Low-Tech AAC Devices
There are literally thousands of devices out there that range anywhere from picture calendars in the classroom to hybrid speech tablets that have hundreds of pages to assist with communication.
Each device has its own advantages and can improve communication by allowing students to have more direct conversations. The possibilities are endless when a student finds a device that truly works for them.
Communication between the students and their peers can excel, expanding their social circle and allowing students to effectively communicate with their teachers and parents to best understand their needs. Students with AAC devices will gradually feel comfortable with their device and quickly see the benefits in using them.
An AAC device is one of the best tools that can allow a child to communicate with others when speech is difficult for them. Devices also offer many other benefits, like improving receptive language skills and encouraging verbal speech production. With so many AAC devices on the market, knowing the most popular options and what makes them unique can help parents choose the right communication device for their child.
We must always remember that communicating is essential to learning, building and maintaining healthy relationships, achieving and maintaining independence, and enhancing daily interactions with others. When communication is impaired, it affects every aspect of a person’s life, including family and school interactions. When families explore the options of what type of device is a good fit and can be utilized, imagine the world of possibilities that can be explored. A whole new outlook and endless possibilities can be created with the use of an AAC device.
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