A quick look at the options AAC Bootcamp Susan G. Malloy, M.S. CCC-SLP

 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.

 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.

 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

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.

 Developed by Frost and Bondy  Target population: Autistic beginning communicators  Teaches users what communication IS.  Focuses on initiation, requesting, and picture discrimination

 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

Developed 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

 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.

 Go Talk 4, 9 and 20 (Attainment Co.)  Smart Talk, Smart Scan, Smart Speak (AMDi)  Inexpensive, but limited. FEATURES: Built in key guards Recorded (digitized) speech Multiple levels Activated by pressure

 Picture Based

“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)

 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.

 A variety of options  Features may include: word prediction, storage/encoding of frequently used words, abbreviation expansion, dual display.

 Humanware.com (devices)  National Center on Deaf Blindness  Perkins School for the Blind  Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

 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

 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

 Currently the best resource for AAC app ratings is Jane Farrell c-apps-lists/ c-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

 Less expensive  May be more socially acceptable  Schools may be more willing to purchase and support  Parents may find them easier

 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

 From simplest, most concrete  to most complex and abstract  But does the user have to begin at the beginning? NO. When in doubt err on the side of more language, and rule out higher levels of abstraction before moving to the object level.