AAC Note

Activity

Communication is a critical part of being human. Communication takes many forms (writing, speech, images, gestures). This chapter addresses technologies that are used in place of, or in addition to, spoken communication.

Communication

AAC interventions are fundamentally about supporting communication.

Education

AAC interventions can play a critical role in education by providing, organizing and/or sequencing vocabulary relevant to lessons and classroom activities. For example, a teacher can create an AAC intervention with words and phrases specific to a biology lesson.

Manipulation

Some high-tech AAC devices also allow the user to manipulate the environment, by serving as electronic aids to daily living (EADLs). These AAC devices can control toys, appliances and entertainment devices via infrared or Bluetooth commands. For example, an AAC user can use their AAC device in place of a traditional television remote control.

It's also possible to use an AAC device to control a voice-operated smart speaker like Google Home or Amazon Alexa.

Cognition

AAC interventions can provide assistance in task execution by providing, organizing and/or sequencing vocabulary. For example, an AAC user may have an AAC intervention they can use to direct their own care from a caregiver or an AAC user may have an AAC intervention with all of the words and phrases needed to perform a work task or order food at a restaurant.

Human

Here we go.