Augmentative+and+Alternative+Communication

Augmentative and Alternate communication (AAC) refers to all forms of communication other than oral speech, examples include facial expressions and body language. AAC is very applicable to those with special needs, sufferers of speech or language difficulties often employ AAC to great effect. There are a range of Augmentative aids such as PECS, flash cards and various other avenues of communication. The aim of these devices is to increase social interaction, performance in the classroom and general feelings of happiness.

There are two types of AAC:
 * Unaided communication systems-** rely on the user's body to convey messages. Examples include gestures, body language, and/or sign language.


 * Aided communication systems** -require the use of tools or equipment in addition to the user's body. Aided communication methods can range from paper and pencil to communication books or boards to devices that produce voice output (speech generating devices or SGD's)and/or written output. Electronic communication aids allow the user to use picture symbols, letters, and/or words and phrases to create messages. Some devices can be programmed to produce different spoken languages.

AAC is one of the simplest (and most cost effective) ways to develop communication, social skills and involve those with learning difficulties in the classroom. It is a great way to allow special needs students to communicate with their peers creating a fun almost "game" like situation for normal students to communicate via AAC. Most importantly AAC increases the happiness of students by simply allowing them to participate where they normally might not be able to.

This video highlights a few AAC Devices:

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Ref: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. //Augmentative and Alternate Communication. [|Link]//

The AAC Institute. [|Link]

**Key Word Sign Australia**

﻿Key Word Sign (KWS) is an unaided communication system. It is also known as Makaton and is used to assist children and adults with communication and language difficulties. KWS uses a simplified form of signing taken from Australian Sign Language (Auslan) and Australasian Signed English. KWS is used to encourage and support language development. The signs used are based on concepts/ideas deemed the most appropiate for the needs of the child or adult with communication and language difficulties. Signing is done with speech but only the key words of the sentence are signed, for example if you sign 'Do you want to read a book or play on the computer?' You would sign 'read', 'book', 'play' and 'computer' giving facial expressions at the same time. You can also use gestures when communicating such as pointing to give directions. An example of this form of communication can be seen in the movie //'Black Ballon'// (2008) where an autistic teenager, his family and teacher use KWS to communicate with each other.

Main features of Key Word Sign:
 * Use of sign and speech together.
 * Sign the key words but say the whole sentence.
 * Use of visual strategies including body language, facial expression and directionality.
 * The use of Symbols where appropriate.
 * Some use of finger spelling (University of Newcastle, 2008).

Key Word Sign can assist students with their receptive and expressive communication.
 * It can give a visual clue which the student can learn to associate with instructions.
 * The speaker will generally slow down and simplify their speech, therefore giving the student more time for auditory processing.
 * Students can learn about communitive intent and the relevance of communication.
 * KWS can support speech attempts and therefore improve understanding.
 * Can be used as an alternative to speech and improve communication (University of Newcastle, 2008).

Key Word Sign Australia is based at the Special Education Centre in Newcastle University Key Word Sign Australia From here resources can be obtained to learn everday signs.

More resources can be obtained from Hands Can Talk @http://www.handscantalk.com.au/category_5/Extra-Resources.htm

The website Scope has a free resource of nusery rhymes to sing and sign to. Nursery Rhymes to Sing See and Sign

References: University of Newcastle. (2008). //Key Word Sign Australia//. Retrieved from [] Down, E. (Director). (2008). //Black Balloon// [DVD]. Australia: Icon Film Distribution Pty Ltd.

**__ Visual Aids __**
All students can benefit from having visual aids to help them remember and understand. Pictures are powerful Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools that provide a simple way to make communication more effective and less stressful for students with communication, behaviour or learning challenges or other additional needs. Visual supports can be created to empower students to participate and achieve success and independence in all the routines and activities in their lives. They are helpful for children who have difficulties with: listening and attending, understanding and responding, processing sequenced information, motivation and play, following instructions and routines, anxiety and resistance to change, social isolation, shyness and challenging behaviours.


 * __ [|Visual Aids for Learning] __** is a website with free, colorful printable visual aids on everyday activities for __ [|Early Childhood] __, __ [|School Aged Children] __ and __ [|Adolescents] __ . They have a pack of __ [|home routine] __ visuals, gender specific __ [|behaviour] __ and __ [|toilet training] __ visuals as well as __ [|sequences] __ of common tasks and a range of common facial expressions (__ [|emotions] __). These can be used for creating visual timetables, daily routines, choice boards, tools to give information, tools to manage behaviour and other visual strategies which can make a significant difference in a student's ability to participate successfully in school and home routines.


 * __ [|Use Visual Strategies] __** is a website with ample information on using visual aids for students with additional needs. It can be useful for beginner teachers who need detailed information on the necessity of using visual strategies to improve communication with students with additional needs, and especially on __[|Autism Spectrum Disorder]__. The website is created by [|Linda Hodgdon], an American Speech Pathologist and consultant for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

This website includes __[|articles]__ that explore important topics for understanding communication for individuals who experience communication challenges, including __25__ __[| Reasons to Use Visual Strategies]__. The website also offers free __[|printable picture cards]__ on common emotions and behaviours to help students learn to handle their behaviour and communicate their emotions in socially appropriate ways.


 * __References:__**

Hodgdon, L. (1998-2011). //Use Visual Strategies – Meeting the Communication Challenges in Autism.// Retrieved June 30, 2011, from http://www.usevisualstrategies.com/VisualStrategiesInformation.aspx

//Visual Aids for Learning//.(2009). Retrieved July1, 2011, from http://www.visualaidsforlearning.com/


 * __TapToTalk another AAC__** Lynn Hart U3057888

TapToTalk™ is a free Ipad™ application (app) that turns the Ipad™ into an augmentative and alternative communication device (AAC)

TapToTalk™ allows for flow of conversation by using flashcards and text to speech capabilities, as the Ipad™ uses touch screen technology it is very easy for the user to touch the flashcards. You can also make flashcards appropriate to your situation and upload them to the website to share with other registered users.

In a classroom environment with a student with special needs it would allow you to easily identify the needs of the child such as going to the toilet or wanting a drink. It also be used as a teaching tool to better allow the student to understand the relationship between the written and spoken word as they can hear what the word sounds like as well as see the word. TapToTalk™ also has a website [] that provides you with access to over 2500 pictures. You can for a one of fee purchase the designer software that allows you to customise your content using pictures and recorded voice.

This application could be used for students with a wide range of learning disabilities and age groups including but not limited to autism and down syndrome, it would allow students who are non verbal to communicate clearly with teachers and peers alike, which will allow them to actively participate in the school environment, it would also serve as a learning tool for students with speech delay.

Afthe the initial outlay for the Ipad™ you can download the free app and start using the software with very little instruction, the ability to use the design software to create scenario specific flashcards would allow teachers, carers and support staff to best fit the app to the needs of the specific student.

I have placed this app on my Ipad™ in order to assess its usefulness as a teaching and learning tool and have found it to be easy to navigate and understand. There is a website [|www.a4cwsn.com] which tests and reviews apps that are of assistance to special needs children

__**Text to speech generator**__

Augmentative and Alternatic Communication (AAC) employs the use of a variety of devices and technologies to increase the communication capability of students for greater inclusion academically and socially. TTS Reader is one technology that can be employed to help students that have programs vocalizing their words to communicate through a text to speech program.

TTS Reader is a free program that can be loaded onto any Windows based operating system. The program can be loaded into the background and when text is selected the program processes the selected text and translates the text into a synthesized voice reading the text. The speed and pitch of the voice may be changed to increase audibility and comprehension by others. There are also a variety of voices to chose from to cater for the interests and self-representation of the student using the program.

TTS Reader also allows for pronunciation corrections to enable the user to customize words that they would normally and frequently use in interactions with others. By far one of the best features is the ability to export text typed to sound files, such as petite MP3s and uncompressed WAV files. This allows the user to play the audio and decrease the amount of down time in typing the words for a presentation. The other useful application of this function is being able to pre-record sound files that can then be used to communicate frequently used phrases and responses when interacting with others.



__References__

TTS Reader

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