There are some terms that will reoccur throughout discussions of AAC. They are briefly defined here, and will be discussed in more depth throughout my introductory course.
Aided Communication
An AAC system that utilizes something that is external to the user; such as a communication book or device. (In contrast, speech, vocalization, gestures, and signs are examples of UNaided communication.)
Alternative
Instead of speech; replacing speech.
Augmented
In addition to the user’s speech to supplement and/ or provide support and additional communication.
Complex Communication Need (CCN)
Usually used to refer to those AAC learners who have significant disabilities and needs beyond simply replacing their speech.
Symbol
Something that represents or stands for something else. In the simplest form, a symbol is a signal that is interpreted the same way by at least two people.
There are 2 types of visual symbols; graphic and lexical. Graphic symbols include line drawings, photographs, color or black & white images. Lexical symbols are with letters or words.
Gesture
A general term for movements that are made with hands, arms, and facial expressions.
Signs are more conventional gestures that have been ascribed meaning by a group of users and become a part of the lexicon (which is, essentially, a catalogue of a language’s words)
SGD (speech generating device) or VOCA (voice output communication assistant)
Voice output can be either digital (recorded speech) or synthesized (computer generated) speech.
High tech devices are referred to as SGDs because the speech can be computer generated. However, many high tech devices also have the capability of using digitized speech in some instances.
Low tech static display devices use recorded speech only to provide the voice output.
Partner Assisted Scanning (PAS)
A strategy in which the communication partner scans through the choices available on the (low-tech) AAC system, always in the same order, looking for an agreed-upon response from the individual to accept an option. Partners present the choices in the same sequential order every time. This strategy is usually used with an individual with significant motor or visual problems who has difficulty accessing an AAC system independently.
The human partner is called a “smart partner” in contrast to computer assisted scanning because the computer cannot adapt to the individual’s day to day or minute to minute fluctuations or read facial expressions and body language the way a live partner can.
Aided Language Stimulation (AlgS)
A strategy in which a communication partner teaches the AAC user the meanings of symbols, their locations, and how/when to use them through modeling their use while providing verbal input for genuine communication interactions.
Access
The way in which the individual makes a selection of a word or message on the AAC system.
Direct selection access involves the user pointing or touching the system directly.
Scanning involves using a switch to activate the system’s movement through the messages available in sequential order until the user activates the switch again (or a second switch) to make a selection.
Eye gaze is an access mode for those with significant motor disabilities wherein a built-in camera tracks the eye movements of the individual, allowing the user to point to the message button with their eyes. Eye gaze is faster and more efficient than using a scanning system.
Core Vocabulary
Those high frequency words which we use the most often. These words are usually useable in a variety of contexts on a variety of topics, and can be combined together in a large number of ways to create novel messages. A variety of parts of speech are represented in core words, but rarely nouns. About 80% of what we say is comprised of core words.
Fringe Vocabulary
Those topic specific words that are used less often and are less useful in a variety of contexts; they are usually nouns, and make up only about 20% of the words one would find in a 100 word sample.
Symbol Transparency and Opacity
AAC systems can use concrete objects, photographs, life-like drawings, or line drawing symbols. Symbols are said to be transparent when what they represent is obvious to any communication partner either immediately or with an initial explanation. Opacity refers to symbols that are abstract, don’t have any resemblance to the word or concept, and which are not easily identified without the accompanying label or direct instruction.
Next post: I'll revisit myths and misconceptions
Until then, Keep on Talking!
This is very thorough and informative! I've learned a lot.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading!
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