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Presents
Module & Toolkits
Aug Comm Evals Simplified
Providing ACES Evaluation Toolkits
Low-to-Lite Tech Evaluation Toolkit
High-tech Evaluation Toolkit Evaluation Toolkit Starter Kit
Notebook Accompanying CD
Agenda – Talk about process; matching person to the
communication tool / device Review ACES Module Forms/templates provided
Review ACES Low-to-Lite Tech Toolkit contents Review notebook: materials and resources to
use Consider features for choosing low-to-lite tech
communication tools and devices AAC Device decision-making resources What else?
ACES Module examples – download at www.aacTechConnect.com
Materials & Resources
Evaluation
What are the communicator’s skills?
What can they do (based on case history
and evaluation)?
Feature Matching – What features do they need? What technology can bridge the gap?
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Process – Beginning to endItems in red available online
Person Gathering information - Case history & Eval
Summary Deciding on skills to assess-
The Person’s Skills Choosing the “toolkit items” used
ACES Toolkit w. descriptions Evaluating the individual's skills –
Case history & Eval Summary
Communication tools/devices
Matching skills to communication tools The AAC Device Features Case History Summary & Evaluation
Researching optionsAAC TechConnect website
Free resourcesLite Tech Low Cost Resource ChartDevice Assistant
Decision-making
Trialing communication tools / voice output devices
AAC Device Decision-Making
Making recommendations / writing appropriate documentationReport template
Goals worksheet
The Person’s Skills
Types of Communicators
Toolkit List
What is low – to – lite tech?
LOW – Tech Non-voice communication tools and
techniques Use of objects for communication symbols Use of pictures - individual presentation,
books, and boards Access tools - Access accessories (switches,
mounts, and low cost evaluation tools etc.) Inexpensive
Lite Tech
Includes battery operated objects
Cause- effect Software – (cause-effect)
Single message communicators (Step-by-Step from AbleNet)
Simpler digitized devices (Go Talks)
Access
Low Tech Items
Cause-effect items
Switches & accessories
Variety of switches
Switch interface
Switch mount
Simple voice output
Single message communicators(Sequencers, Step-by-step, etc.)
Simpler voice output devices+ overlay software + Symbol Stix
High Tech Evaluation Toolkit
Emulate a variety of devices Large Medium Small
Get information about their use of language (i.e. symbols, forms used, representation, etc.)
What is the ACES High Tech Evaluation Toolkit ?
Tobii
Communicator
AAC TechConnect:ACES High-Tech Training
Wednesday, Oct. 13th 12:00 – 2:00; MDT Will be archived by November
NOTEBOOK:Tools & Resources
Use sample communication tools with progressing levels of complexity to determine:
Types of communication symbols required Use of concrete vs. abstract pictures Ability to navigate between pages Use of pictures, words, combination of
both Ability to formulate phrases / sentences Using variety of nouns, verbs, descriptive
words Making comments Relating events Social communication and conversation
Symbol types
Objects Photographs
Pictures Alphabet
/spelling
EmergingNo RELIABLE means of EXPRESSIVE
communication through SYMBOLIC language
Have some functional non-verbal communication (gestures, vocalizations, other nonsymbolic communication)
Able to attend, even briefly, to individuals, conversations, pictures, or symbols
Yes/no (acceptance/rejection) depicted with body language; i.e. no reliable yes/no for more complex communication
Emerging Communicators Start with objects to request highly motivating
activities: Use GLASS for drink requests Use BALL for playing with the ball requests Use a CD for music requests Add your own
Use various access methods (eye gaze, reaching, pointing, partner assisted scanning, etc.) Communication functions could include: Request “more” / continue activity “All done” / stop activity Making choices
Emerging Communicators
Incorporate the use of a one button speech device, the Step by Step into the activities.
Use COPPS to indicate the activity on the device.
Assess impact of a “voice”.
Emerging Communicators Add some individually cut out Symbol
Stix™ to add variety and assess understanding of line drawings vs. photo’s, and to use for PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System).
Context- or Partner-Dependent
Has SYMBOLIC communication that is RELIABLE but limited to particular CONTEXTS or PARTNERS
Rely on partners to provide limited response set
Need frequent instruction and cueing
Difficulty with initiation
May only be functional in particular settings
Wide range with regard to # of partners and # of settings
4 Button Grids Assess simple choice
making
Signal for more/all done
Sequence two symbols, i.e. “want” + object; “more” + object; “all done” + object
9 Button Grids: Simple choice making
Signal “more,” “want,” “all done”
Combine “more, want, all done” with symbol – ex. “ball” “eat” “book”
20 Button Grids: Start with simple
requests/choice making with limited pictures
Target simple sentence construction
Target commenting, questioning, greetings, yes/no questions
Others . . .
ACES Dynamic Display Emulates a Dynamic Display which might be
used on an AAC Device
Use them to assess client’s ability to navigate and categorize.
Boards are designed primarily with an 8 button arrangement, Two pages (things & food) have a 16 button layout.
ACES Dynamic DisplayPeople Action
Needs Talk
ACES Dynamic DisplayThings Places
Food Activity
Independent (Generative)
Can communicate ANYTHING on ANY TOPIC to ANYONE in ANY CONTEXT
Locate, select, and convey messages on their own
Can interact with familiar / unfamiliar partners equally well
Can sequence symbols or letters to generate novel messages
Word & Alphabet Boards Word Boards might be used
by context-dependent, or independent communicators to supplement or replace speech.
We include ABC, QWERTY and “Frequency of Occurrence”
alphabet boards on toolkit CD
Word and Alphabet Boards
Word Boards are complex, and take some getting used to. When you present it to the client, model use of the board first. Show how the words are laid out and grouped together.
Give practice sentences to help them get used to the board and where to find things before asking them to generate anything on their own.
Word & Alphabet Boards You can use eye gaze, partner assisted scanning, head and/or laser pointers
Some people with very limited range of hand/arm movement may be able to point with a laser in their hand.
Roll rubber band over switch
You can do headpointing by taping a straw or laser light to a visor or baseball cap.
Laser Light
Laser light: Also use to train scanning skills — point to items with light, client indicates “yes” when reaching desired item
Device chart
Types of devices to consider
Single message communicators Digitized
Text – to – speech Dynamic display Integrated systems
Tobii Eval Pages
Tobii Eval Pages
Take a look in ACES Evaluation Toolkit High-tech Training . . .
AAC Device Decision-Making
Summarize Individuals Communication Skills and Needs
Case History and Evaluation Summary
Device Trials and Comparisons AAC Device Decision-Making
Doing the researchDoing the ResearchAAC TechConnect – Free resources AAC TechConnect – Device Assistant
Look at Individuals Communication Abilities & Needs
Case History & Evaluation Summary Communication functions they can do(determine highest level)
Look at communication situations & partners
Device – length of need; temporary vs. indefinite (up to 5 years)
Temporary solutions May be learning skills
Access Picture recognition Taking care of device Expanding communication partners & situations Teaching new communication functions
Cautions Don’t underestimate – guess high Don’t limit communication – add
partners/situations/functions Don’t let cost be determining factor Don’t let them get “bored” and increase abandonment
How do you research options?
Low – tech (non-voice communication tools)
Lite-tech (voice output) Single message communicators Digitized devices
Simpler More complex
Update free resource page
What’s new ? ? ?
Digitized Simpler communication needs Recorded voice Use of pictures Multi lingual
Most of them have: Paper overlays that are changed
(changed by facilitator or user) Also called “static display”
Device Assistant – AAC TechConnect online comparisons
The Resource for Lite Tech Low Cost AAC Chart Low-cost equipment (less than $1500 US) includes both
non-voice and voice output communication tools/devices.
It's comprehensive and easy to use. There is information about 100 non-voice products and
250 voice products on 67 downloadable pages.
Cost only $14.95 –download from websiteor $19.95 with purchase order
Go to STORE at ww.aacTechConnect.com to purchase
The Resource for Lite Tech Low Cost AAC Chart
Online Clinical Tools
From
The ACES Device Assistant – project of AAC-RERC
Device Assistant – AAC TechConnect online comparisons
Digitized Simpler communication needs Recorded voice Use of pictures Multi lingual
Most of them have: Paper overlays that are changed Also called “static display” Couple have dynamic display
Device Assistant
30 day free trial using codeACES Toolkit Trial
30 days $14.95 1 – 2 users; $79 3 – 5 users; $149 6-10 users; $275 Contact us for more options
Trialing equipment Lite – tech
Simpler vs. more complex (more expensive) Organization resources Loan libraries Distributors (maybe) Manufacturers
Funding More complex devices – may be funded by
manufacturer for 3rd party payment Simpler devices – purchase
Manufacturers page
Decision-making
Trialing communication tools / voice output devices
AAC Device Decision-Making Making recommendations / writing
appropriate documentationReport templateGoals
Report template
Follows “medical model” which addresses functional communication needs (manufacturer’s can support)
May have your own for your organizational needs (i.e. educational to meet IEP goals, etc.)
Evaluation
What are their skills?
What can do?
Feature Matching – What features do they need? What technology can bridge the gap?
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More training needed?
What else would assist you?
Research opportunityMATCH – ACES
Get another AT assessment tool to assist you in matching AT to the individual
Focuses on matching child to technology based
on needs assessment (related to IEP), child predisposition, environmental factors, and product features matched to child’s needs.
A collaborative team approach is recommended with an emphasis to include parent and student participation in the evaluation process.
http://www.aactechconnect.com/events.cfm?goto=match
Upcoming: Archived trainings for use of toolkit Community board for eval overlays
/page sets Workshops in your area?
More in depth about doing evaluation Toolkit Tidbits newsletter Website – access to updates
Future topics
Access Comparing language representation
systems (i.e. InterAACT – Unity - Picture Wordpower, etc)
Device Features demonstrated Demonstrating with actual
eval/videos Others?
1) Device Assistant 30-day trial code
2) More information on AT evaluation research opportunity
3) Ask you to complete SHORT survey for feedback on how to improve training.
4) Put us in your address book – continue to receive emails (or provide alternate email)
Follow up email includes:
Do you . . .
Have some new strategies to try?
Have some things in your ACES toolkit bag to use?
Let us know how we can assist you!
www.aacTechConnect.com
866/482-2279
