Part 6: AT for Communication

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

The web is a dynamic and changing environment. Sites and URLs listed in this workshop can change names, move to another location, or just disappear.

If you attempt to go to a site and it is not there:1. Check first that you have entered the address correctly. Any error, an extra space, a

capitalized or lower case letter will lead you to a dead-end. Check carefully and try again.

2. Wait a few moments and try the site again. Sometimes the internet is busy and it will work fine in awhile.

3. Try using a search engine to find the site. Enter the name, not the URL of the site you are looking for.

4. Trim the URL by eliminating parts of the address from the right end back. Remove elements one step at a time from each slash (/…/).

5. Try the Wayback Machine (www.archive.org).

6. If you need to use steps 3 – 5, notify the instructor whether you find the site or not

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Functions of Communication (addressable with AAC)Dyadic Communication (conversation)Joint Action Routines (working and playing together)Behavior Regulation Requests (asking for help or to receive something)Instructional Responding (asking questions and responding)

Speech and Language Resources

American Speech Language and Hearing Assoc. http://www.asha.org

ASHA is the professional organization for audiologists and clinicians

Speech Language and Swallowing

http://www.asha.org/public/speech/speech-packets

Information packets on speech and language

Language Development

http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/

Typical language development

Speech and Language Resources (cont.)Activities for Speech/Language Development

http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/Parent-Stim-Activities.htm

Activities to encourage speech and language development

Pragmatic Disorders

http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/PragmaticLanguageTips.htm

Tips for pragmatic disorders

Tools for AAC

Voice Amplification Picture Cards Language Boards Eye-gaze frames Picture Exchange Clock Scanners Dedicated Devices Computers with Software

Wrist talker

Tech talk

Artificial Larnyx

Match the Individual with the Tool

Individual Technology

Needs Interface/Input

Abilities Processing

Expectations Output

http://www.mayer-johnson.com/

Input Methods

Assisted keyboardsOn screenCursor Control-pointer systemsAlternative keyboards

Eye-gazeMind controlKeyboard emulationSwitches

Switches

Direct Switch Scanning Morse Code Auditory

Quick start Communication Kit

Input Features to Consider

Size and shape Surface type

• Pressure• Tactile symbols

Acceptance rate and timing

Auditory Cueing Type of symbol Ethnic representation Symbol organization Message label

Key guard

Output Alternatives

Visual Auditory Tactile Computer Interface

Alpha Talker II

AAC Output Issues

Synthesized (text to speech)

Type of Synthesizer Digitized (recorded

speech and sound) Amplification Ethnicity/Language Integration with other

ACVantage

Communication Storage and Retrieval

Vocabulary Message Set Selection Sets

• Single Board

• Multiple Board

Symbol Set Arrangement Selection Methods

• One key

• Multiple keys

Speaking Dynamically Pro

Processing

Whole message Partial message Single word Symbol systems Alphabet/Spelling/

Orthography Function

Symbol systems

Pictures/photographsObjects/miniaturesBlack line drawingsMulti-meaningAbstract

Processing – Multiple key retrieval

Encoding

– Orthography

– Abbreviation/expansion

– Logical letter codes

– Number codes

– Semantic compaction

– Morse code

– Key linkingPolyana - Zygo

Processing – Multiple key retrieval

Branching

– Levels and locations

– Dynamic Displays

– Auditory Scans Prediction

– Symbol prediction

– Word completion

– Word prediction

Polyana - Zygo

Abbreviation Expansion

Portable impact - enkidu

Dubby - Tash18

Logical Letter Coding

HH = Hi how are you WL – What’s for

lunch MN = My name is Joe HP = How can I help

you GM = Good morning

Lightwriter - Zygo

Semantic Compaction

Chatbox - Saltillo Vantage - PRC

Keylinking

Optimist - Zygo

Macaw - Zygo

Levels & Location Systems

GoTalk - Attainment

Dynavox - Dynavox

Dynamic Displays

Dynamo -Dynavox

Auditory Scanning

Portable Impact Tablet - Enkidu Deltatalker - PRC

Alternative Keyboard Resources

OrbiTouch Keyless Keyboard

http://www.keybowl.com/

Orbitouch creates a keystroke when two domes slide into one of eight positions

Goldtouch Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard

http://www.ergodirect.net/index.asp?PageAction=MFGSEARCH&MantiD=7&Page=1

Allows student to adjust alphanumeric sections horizontally and vertically

Frog Pad

http://www.frogpad.com

One-handed keyboard

Alternative Keyboard Resources (cont)Adess Try-Form Contoured Ergonomic Keyboard with Glide point touchpad

http://www.adesso.com/products_detail.asp?productid=42

A 105 key ergonomic, contured keyboard

Cirque Glidepoint Wave Keyboard

http://www.cirque.com

Keyboards designed with natural angle of arms and hands

Cirque Smooth Cat Keyboard

http://www.cirque.com

Similar to Microsoft Natural keyboardwith enlarged keys

Alternative Keyboard Resources (cont)Comfort Keyboard

http://www.comfortkeyboard.com

Addresses the issues of awkward posture, discomfort, and fatigue experienced by computer users.

Darwin Smartboard

http://www.datadesktech.com

Engineered to encourage typing in a more natural position

Data hand

http://www.datahand.com

Comprised of two ergonimically designed keyboards

Alternative Keyboard Resources (cont)ErgoLogic Keyboard

http://www.alimed.com

A customizable keyboard

Kinesis Keyboard

http://www.kinesis-ergo.com

Ergonomically designed to reduce the negative effect of keyboard use by allowing the user to align hands, arms, and shoulders while typing.

Intellikeys

http://store.cambiumlearning.com/ProgramPage.aspx?parentId=074003405&functionID=009000008&site=itc

Devices for alternative input

Touch Screen Resources

Apogee

http://www.cybertouch.com/LCDOPENFRAM.html

Open-frame touch LC screen

Magic Touch

http://www.abilityhub.com/mouse/touchscreen.htm

Patented external add-on touch screen kit.

MicroTouch Touch Screen

http://www.3m.com/3MtouchSystems/Products/

Resources for Augmentative Communication DevicesTuftalker Plus & Freedom and Toughbook

http://www.words-plus.com

Communication systems blending form and function in one device

Springboard

http://www.prentrom.com

Starting point for a student or adult beginning augmented communication

Speaking Dynamically Pro Idea Book

http://www.mayer-johnson.com

Tool for talking interactive activities

Resources for Augmentative Communication Devices (cont)Handheld Impact

http://www.enkidu.net

Spelling based communications device

Tablet Impact

http://www.enkidu.net

Device with large on-screen buttons.

Palmtop Impact

http://www.enkidu.net

Small,portable ACC device

Videos on AAC

Introduction– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1QIhWa_4_A

About AAC– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb_URYj_L_k&feature=related

Laser Pointers– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AooDQOzdOyE&feature=related

Ellen– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAdEOXD9Tvk&feature=related

Simon– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_T96uOi2l4&feature=related

AbilityHub

http://www.abilityhub.com