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AAC for adults with acquired disorders
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AAC for Adults with Acquired Disorders
Created by: Hannah Barraza, Semira Embaye, Bella Gandarilla, Alyssa Moody, and Teagan Thompson
What is AAC?
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is used for people who are unable to verbally communicate. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, AAC encompasses all of the ways a person communicates besides speaking. AAC is a multi-modal discipline that helps people with all different kinds of communication disabilities.
What is AAC?
Acquired Disorders
Acquired Disorders
An acquired disorder is a medical condition which develops post birth; in contrast with a congenital disorder, which is present at birth. Depending on the type of acquired disorder can determine the different types of AAC that is needed for the individual.
Examples of Acquired Disorders
Examples of acquired disorders
- Aphasia
- Global, Broca's, Wernicke's, Anomic, Primary Progressive, Mixed Non-Fluent
- Dysarthria
- Dysphagia
- Progressive Nueromuscular Diseases
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Myasthenia gravis, Myopathy, Myositis, Peripheral neurpathy
- Cognitive-linguistic deficits
- Parkinson's disease
- Stroke
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Concussions, Contusions, Brain Hemorrhages, Intracranial Hematomas, Coup-Contrecoup, Diffuse Axonal, Penetrating, Second Impact
Fun Facts
Fun Fact
Stephan Hawking was a world famous theoretical physicist who was diagnosed with Amyotrophic
Lateral Sclerosis
(ALS) when he was
21 years old and he
lost his ability to
speak, AAC became
his voice for the next 55
years of his life which enabled him to communicate and express his ideas with others.
Types of AAC
AAC consists of no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech options. The option an individual chooses is based upon their physical and mental capabilities as well as their day-to-day lifestyle. Some types of AAC are more convenient for independent individuals, while others are more suitable for individuals who typically rely on assistance from a communication partner.
Types of AAC
Light-tech, Unaided AAC
Nonverbal communication that does not involve additional supports other than the body include gestures and facial expressions. An individual can communicate basic information by conveying meaning through gestures such as hand and arm movements. They can also utilize facial expressions that can be used to convey emotional experiences such as happiness, sadness, excitement, fright, or discomfort.
Unaided AAC
No-Tech AAC
No-tech AAC involves instruments other than the body that are not considered "devices". This includes paper-based tools, and non-electronic graphic symbols of letters, words, and illustrations. An individual can write out wants, needs, likes, dislikes, emotional states, and more with a writing utensil. Another great option for someone who may be more physically limited is indicating certain words or photos on a communication board. This gives the person endless options to communicate in a way that best suits their needs.
Mid-tech, Aided AAC
High-tech AAC
High-tech options include tools such as apps, tablets, iPads, and speech-generating devices. Electronic devices can be programmed with special software that provides core vocabulary words for individuals to select in a variety of ways. Speech-generating devices will speak the selections a person makes to provide auditory input for whoever is communicating with the person using the device.
High-tech, Aided AAC
Why AAC?
Why/how is AAC used?
There are several reasons as to why one may need to use alternative forms of communicating. Whether it be due to a condition one was born with, or a developed disorder that occurred later on in life. Reasons for using AAC devices include:
- hearing impairments
- cerebral palsy
- stroke/head injury
- dual sensory impairments
... and much more.
Unaided AAC
Unaided AAC Cont.
Cost: $0
Use: Alternate models of communication with no technological aid. Examples include ASL.
Accessibility: Available for anyone and everyone who desires to learn. Nobody is restricted from the knowledge of how to communicate alternatively using no technology.
No-Tech
No-Tech Cont.
Device Example: Graphic Symbol Board
Cost: $0 - $20
Use: With the help of graphic symbols, this no-tech AAC tool allows individuals to label and communicate ideas and thoughts that are featured within the board.
Accessibility: Paper-based communication boards can represent language through graphic symbols and there are different symbol sets to choose from.
High-Tech
High Tech Cont.
Device Example: The Accent 1400
Cost: $7,795
Use: Accommodating head tracking systems for those with low mobility, along with text-to-speech technology for voice output. Various customization options for each user's best and unique experience.
Accessibility: Many states have different requirements for use of AAC devices, thus making the accessibility of a high tech AAC device dependent on the circumstance rather than the price tag, yet there can still be a hefty out of pocket payment.
How Can An SLP Help?
SLPs work with occupational therapists, physical therapists, software engineers, and other professionals to find the right AAC device for a client.
SLPs and other professionals take all factors into consideration when choosing, designing, customizing, and supporting AAC systems.
Notably, SLPs can become AAC specialists. SLPs specializing in AAC can use AAC systems as a way to help adults relearn language or serve as a replacement for speech when it can not be produced in conventional ways.
In all, an SLP should select and program a well-planned language system which can support the client for their entire life. An AAC system should be easy for a client to use and one that allows them to communicate effectively with others.
SLPs and AAC
Long Term Impact
It is vital for an SLP to work with other professionals & families in the decision process of selecting a device.
- collaborating with family/loved ones to determine the best AAC device
- creating long-term goals for the device
- what type of device will work best over the course of a client's life?
- customizing and selecting a device that will benefit a client over the course of their life is important
Match Device to Person's Capabilities Today while Planning for Tomorrow
Match Device to Person's Capabilities Today while Planning for Tomorrow
Customizing and selecting a device that meets the capabilities of the client is significant
- not immediately choosing a "high tech" device
- make sure the person can access the symbols with whatever body part that works
- e.g., if not fingers, then eyes can point
- make sure the person has enough vocabulary and personalized vocabulary
- make sure the person can see/hear the symbols or alphabet letters and customize to meet a person's needs
Contact the CSUF Speech and Hearing Clinic
2600 Nutwood Ave, Fullerton, CA 92831
(657) 278-3997
http://communications.fullerton.edu/speechclinic/