Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following symbols visually resembles the referents they represent?
Which of the following symbols visually resembles the referents they represent?
What type of symbol requires movement or change to convey meaning?
What type of symbol requires movement or change to convey meaning?
Which symbol type cannot derive any meaningful relationship between the symbol and referent?
Which symbol type cannot derive any meaningful relationship between the symbol and referent?
What defines a symbol set?
What defines a symbol set?
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Which type of symbol can be guessed even without a direct referent present?
Which type of symbol can be guessed even without a direct referent present?
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What is a defining characteristic of a symbol system?
What is a defining characteristic of a symbol system?
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Which of the following is an example of an unaided symbol set?
Which of the following is an example of an unaided symbol set?
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What characteristic distinguishes a symbol from a symbol system?
What characteristic distinguishes a symbol from a symbol system?
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What was the primary intention behind the development of Blissymbols?
What was the primary intention behind the development of Blissymbols?
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Which of the following best describes Picsyms?
Which of the following best describes Picsyms?
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Which system is aimed specifically at modifying traditional English orthography?
Which system is aimed specifically at modifying traditional English orthography?
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What are Sigsymbols primarily intended for?
What are Sigsymbols primarily intended for?
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Which of the following modifications can be made to traditional orthography?
Which of the following modifications can be made to traditional orthography?
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Which of the following represents a type of Aided AAC?
Which of the following represents a type of Aided AAC?
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What characteristic distinguishes modified orthography from traditional orthography?
What characteristic distinguishes modified orthography from traditional orthography?
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Which of the following is an example of unaided AAC?
Which of the following is an example of unaided AAC?
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What is a primary function of mechanical pointers in Aided AAC?
What is a primary function of mechanical pointers in Aided AAC?
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Which of these symbol sets represents arbitrary logographs?
Which of these symbol sets represents arbitrary logographs?
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What best describes the role of Tadoma in Unaided AAC?
What best describes the role of Tadoma in Unaided AAC?
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Which communication method utilizes a combination of hand shapes and mouth positions?
Which communication method utilizes a combination of hand shapes and mouth positions?
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In the context of Aided AAC, what is primarily used for transmitting communication?
In the context of Aided AAC, what is primarily used for transmitting communication?
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What is the primary function of the contraction method in encoding?
What is the primary function of the contraction method in encoding?
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In which scenario is numeric coding most appropriate?
In which scenario is numeric coding most appropriate?
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What is a disadvantage of memory-based encoding?
What is a disadvantage of memory-based encoding?
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Which form of encoding associates multiple meanings with graphic symbols?
Which form of encoding associates multiple meanings with graphic symbols?
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How is chart-based encoding most beneficial?
How is chart-based encoding most beneficial?
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What does logical letter encoding (LOLEC) utilize to construct messages?
What does logical letter encoding (LOLEC) utilize to construct messages?
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Which of the following demonstrates an example of category encoding?
Which of the following demonstrates an example of category encoding?
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What is a main characteristic of alphanumeric encoding?
What is a main characteristic of alphanumeric encoding?
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What is the primary aim of ensuring a functional sitting posture for AAC users?
What is the primary aim of ensuring a functional sitting posture for AAC users?
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Which of the following best represents the core vocabulary in vocabulary assessment?
Which of the following best represents the core vocabulary in vocabulary assessment?
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What should be considered when selecting symbols for vocabulary representation?
What should be considered when selecting symbols for vocabulary representation?
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What is a recommended strategy for training communication partners with AAC users?
What is a recommended strategy for training communication partners with AAC users?
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What is the role of visual acuity in communication with AAC devices?
What is the role of visual acuity in communication with AAC devices?
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Which of the following describes visual processing errors related to AAC symbols?
Which of the following describes visual processing errors related to AAC symbols?
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What can affect the visual scanning and tracking needed for effective communication?
What can affect the visual scanning and tracking needed for effective communication?
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What materials can be used to construct communication boards for AAC users?
What materials can be used to construct communication boards for AAC users?
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Which group of individuals is categorized under the expressive language group in AAC?
Which group of individuals is categorized under the expressive language group in AAC?
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What is one key purpose of using situational teaching in AAC strategies?
What is one key purpose of using situational teaching in AAC strategies?
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What does the shaping instructional procedure in AAC involve?
What does the shaping instructional procedure in AAC involve?
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What type of AAC strategy involves the clinician modeling the expected response?
What type of AAC strategy involves the clinician modeling the expected response?
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What is an important consideration when selecting an AAC intervention for clients with motor speech disorders?
What is an important consideration when selecting an AAC intervention for clients with motor speech disorders?
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What does the term 'fading' refer to in AAC instructional procedures?
What does the term 'fading' refer to in AAC instructional procedures?
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Which of the following is not classified under the supportive language group?
Which of the following is not classified under the supportive language group?
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What aspect should be evaluated when assessing motor access for AAC?
What aspect should be evaluated when assessing motor access for AAC?
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Study Notes
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- AAC is a form of communication that either supplements or replaces typical means of communication.
- "Augment" means increasing or adding to something.
- "Alternative" implies a replacement.
- AAC is used to improve communication skills for people who do not speak or whose speech is unintelligible.
- AAC examples include line drawings, photographs, gestures, pantomime, and more.
What is AAC?
- "Augment" implies a form of supplementation.
- "Alternative" implies a form of replacement.
- AAC involves using methods of communication that complement, or in some cases, replace, typical communication methods.
- AAC uses methods other than speech to communicate.
- Examples of AAC include line drawings to request something, photographs as a supplement, post-stroke use of gestures, photographs, or pantomime/mime.
Need for AAC
- Congenital disabilities increasing reliance on AAC: cerebral palsy, mental retardation, severe profound HI, deaf/blindness, spina bifida, childhood AOS, developmental aphasia, autism spectrum disorders.
- Acquired disabilities increasing reliance on AAC: stroke, TBI, cerebrovascular accident, spinal cord injury, ALS, laryngectomy, glossectomy, brain tumor, dementia, Guillain-Barre syndrome, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, closed head injury.
- Progressive neurological diseases: ALS, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy (MD), Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- Non-progressive conditions: shock/trauma/surgery (accidents, intubation, weakness, concussion, tracheostomy, laryngectomy, severe burns to the face), Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
Categories of Impairment
- Temporary: Laryngectomy, TBI, aphasia
- Permanent: Progressive neurological disorders, Cognitive impairment (intellectual disability), Sensory impairment (HI, visual impairment), Neurological impairment (CP, dysarthria, apraxia, aphasia, TBI, progressive disorders), Genetic disorders, Structural impairment (glossectomy, laryngectomy), Developmental disabilities and multiple disorders (autism, ADHD).
AAC Terminologies
- Unaided AAC: Use of only the body, no external equipment; examples include gestures, manual signs, pantomime, gaze, vocalizations (to express emotional states or approximate words), head nods/shakes.
- Aided AAC: Use of simple or complex external equipment for communication; examples include a photograph of a glass of juice to represent thirst to a computerized voice output device that says "THIRSTY".
- No-tech, low-tech, mid-tech, and high-tech AAC: No-tech does not use electronics, low/mid-tech uses simple electronic devices that record and play back limited messages, high-tech involves more expensive electronic devices that may function as full computers.
Dedicated vs. Non-dedicated AAC Devices
- Dedicated devices (SGD): Solely for speech generation, including low-tech, mid-tech, and high-tech devices.
- Non-dedicated devices: Usually fully functional computers running software for more than just speech; examples include word processing, email, and gaming software.
Technology and Aided AAC Concepts
- Appliance: Devices benefiting the user regardless of skill level (e.g., splints, hearing aids, glasses, artificial limbs).
- Tool: Devices requiring skill development for use (e.g., mouse, artificial larynx).
- Hard technology: Components readily purchased or assembled for AAC.
- Soft technology: Skills related to human use, training, strategy, concept, decision-making.
Components of AAC
- Symbols: Methods for visual, auditory, and/or tactile representation of ideas/concepts (e.g., gestures, photographs, manual signs, printed words, objects).
- Aids: Physical objects or devices for transmitting or receiving messages; examples include communication charts, mechanical tools, or electronic devices, or computers.
Components of AAC (Continued)
- Symbols (Visual): Specific examples of visual symbols (suction mouth, pain in throat, thirsty, take splints off, go away, hot, cold, leave me alone, don't touch, adjust mask, I love you, change channel, blurred vision, intravenous, stay with me, want to go home).
- Braille (Tactile): Examples of Braille characters (A-Z).
AAC Devices
- Portable palmtop: A communication device with a screen for selecting symbols.
AAC Techniques
- Strategy: A specific method of using aids, symbols, and techniques for effective or enhanced communication, using modelling or prompts.
- Techniques in AAC: Procedures (means) for transmitting messages—
- Means to represent: using symbols to show an idea.
- Means to select: choosing the correct symbols for a message.
- Means to transmit: delivering the message.
Classification of AAC
- Super-ordinate classification: Aided vs. Unaided
- Aided: Uses some exterior device to communicate (e.g., communication boards, electronic devices).
- Unaided: Uses no exterior device (e.g., gestures, natural speech).
- Multimodal communication: Uses both aided and unaided techniques.
Gestures as Symbols
- Use of body parts to represent objects, ideas, actions.
- Examples include British Sign Language (BSL), American Sign Language (ASL).
- Finger spelling: Forming letters with different hand/finger shapes to represent words.
Aided vs. Unaided AAC Summary
| Feature | Aided | Unaided |
|---|---|---|
| Means to represent | Objects, pictures, synthetic speech | Gestures, sign language & natural speech |
| Means to select | Pointers, switches | Blinking, gestures, speech, writing |
| Means to transmit | Communication charts, boards, AAC aids | Direct transmission using parts of body |
Subordinate Classification (AAC)
- Aided: Static/Dynamic, Iconic/Opaque, Set/System
- Unaided: Static/Dynamic, Iconic/Opaque, Set/System
- Static symbols: Permanent, enduring, no movement needed.
- (e.g., objects, pictures)
- Dynamic symbols: Not permanent, need movement/change to convey meaning. -(e.g., sign language, gestures).
Iconic vs. Opaque Symbols
- Iconic symbols: Visually resemble referents. -(e.g., drawing of a cat matched to a real cat)
- Opaque symbols: No specific relationship to referents. -(e.g., lexigrams, Premack symbols)
Lexigrams
- Abstract symbols used in communication.
- Examples include pre-drawn symbols representing words or phrases.
Premack Symbols
- Abstract, plastic-shaped symbols in different colors/sizes.
Transparent vs. Translucent Symbols
- Transparent symbols: Symbols are easily guessed in the absence of a referenced object. -(e.g., drawing of a book for word "book")
- Translucent symbols: Symbols are somewhere in between transparent and opaque. -(e.g., symbol ^ for protection borrowed from the roof of a house)
Symbol Sets
- Collection of symbols.
- Limited in flexibility, expansion, and generalization.
Unaided Symbol Sets
- Common gestures & Amer-Ind: Set of gestures based on how North American tribes communicated.
Symbol Systems
- Formal rules and internal logic for creating new symbols.
Aided Symbol Systems
- Examples of aided symbol sets include Blissymbols, Picture Communication Symbols (PCS), and lexigrams (opaque-aided symbol set).
Unaided Symbol Systems
- Examples include American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and Indian Sign Language (ISL).
American Finger Spelling
- Visual representation of the alphabet using hand gestures.
ASL: Words
- Visual representations of words such as WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, WHICH, HOW.
ASL: Sentence Examples
- Visual representations of phrases and sentences using American Sign Language.
BSL Fingerspelling Alphabet
- Visual representations of words or letters from British Sign Language (BSL) alphabet.
Communication Devices
- Communication boards: Boards with icons/symbols for communication.
- ETRAN boards: Vertically mounted devices for eye gaze communication.
Types of Communication Devices (for disabled)
- Mechanical devices (e.g., head pointers, mouth sticks, electronic switches).
- Computerized devices (software and/or hardware).
Communication Techniques (Aided)
- Objects (real or miniature).
- Pictures (photographs, 2D/3D drawings).
- Graphic representations of signs or gestures.
- Synthetic or animated signs or gestures on a computer.
- Traditional orthography (modified or enhanced).
- Arbitrary logographs (Premack/Yerkish).
- Electrolarynx-generated speech.
- Synthesized speech.
Communication Techniques (Unaided)
- Gestures.
- Natural sign languages (e.g., ASL, BSL, and others).
- Manually coded English (e.g., SEE-I and SEE-II).
- Tadoma, tactile cues (e.g., mouth vibrations to detect words or phrases).
- Hand-cued speech.
Means to Select in AAC
- Aided: Mechanical pointers, switches, prosthetic devices.
- Unaided: Blinking, finger pointing, body movements, eye gaze, gesturing, vocalization, and writing.
Means to Transmit
- Aided: Communication boards, charts, cards, books, dedicated AAC devices, adapted AAC devices.
- Unaided: Direct transmission using body parts (arms, face, hands, vocal tract).
Selection and Transmission
- Unaided: Selecting/retrieving words from memory.
- Aided: Requires physical steps (pressing, keyboard, switch).
- Techniques: Direct selection, scanning, encoding, word prediction.
Direct Selection Technique
- Pointing: Without or with physical contact (e.g., eye gaze, light pointers, touch screens, averaged activation keyboards, keyguards).
Scanning Technique
- Step scanning, automatic scanning, partner-assisted scanning.
- Methods involve moving something (e.g., a cursor/light pointer) across a display of symbols until the user indicates they've selected the correct symbol.
- Scanning setups: Circular, linear, or multidimensional.
Encoding
- Techniques allowing users to condense a larger pool of words and phrases into a smaller number of symbols.
- Examples: color coding, abbreviation expansion, alphanumeric encoding, numeric coding, letter category encoding, logical letter encoding.
Semantic/Conceptual Encoding
- Associates multiple meanings with icons.
- Stronger associations lead to quicker recall (e.g., Red icon = apple, food).
Chart-based Encoding
- Aiding communication through a chart of vocabulary items arranged by category or color code.
- Useful when vocabulary is extensive or the user has cognitive limitations.
Word Prediction
- Software programs that suggest words based on the letters a user types.
- Based on frequency of use or specific needs.
AAC Assessment Models
- Candidacy model, Communication needs model, Participation model, Capability model (maximal, criteria-based, predictive assessment).
AAC Assessment Steps
- Interviewing family and environmental members to identify communication needs and efficiency.
- Observing the communication environment.
- Assessing physical needs, mobility, and visual/sensory abilities.
- Assessing expressive communication abilities (e.g., speech intelligibility).
- Evaluating motor access (e.g., using direct selection methods).
- Assessing language, cognition, and academic abilities.
- Assessing symbolic language skills (e.g., pointing, symbol discrimination, vocabulary selection, symbol sequencing, categorization, and message ordering).
Core Vocabulary vs Fringe Vocabulary
- Core vocabulary comprises fundamental words and phrases.
- Fringe vocabulary covers a wider range, including words and phrases related to specific activities or environments.
AAC Seating/Positioning
- Importance of correct strategies and positioning for communication device access and user comfort.
AAC Intervention Strategies
- Structured Teaching: Use of specific activities, workbooks, and curriculum materials.
- Situational Teaching: Teaching skills in meaningful daily activity contexts (milieu teaching).
AAC Intervention Procedures
- Mand-model: Clinicians ask questions or provide directions.
- Modeling: Provides a demonstration for the user to copy.
- Shaping: Refining the response to make it more accurate.
- Molding: Offering physical assistance for appropriate behavior.
- Enhancement: Increasing the engagement with symbols.
- Prompting: Verbal, gestural, and physical prompts can help elicit desired behavior.
- Fading: Gradually reducing prompts until the desired behavior is performed without assistance.
Considerations in AAC Interventions with Motor Speech Disorders
- Assessing individual user capabilities; combining AAC and speech therapy; needs assessment- current and future; including assessment in the intervention plan; long-term and short-term goals; natural environments; minimizing barriers.
AAC in Developmental Disorders
- Focus on symbolic communication in any modality; incorporating verbal expressions, sign language, photographs, line drawings, and other aided symbols.
- Choosing symbols/messages for communication; considering communication context.
- Means of representation (symbolic vs. nonsymbolic); vocabulary selection; and user experience and knowledge. The reasons why communication/communication needs occur; and strategies needed to improve communication (i.e. how to select messages and how to transmit messages).
Specific Considerations for Communication Partner Training
- Teaching strategies and techniques.
- Optimal use of communication behavior.
- Recognizing communicative acts.
- Acknowledging/receiving communicated acts and messages of the AAC user
- Implementing contingent responses.
AAC for Individuals with Physical Disabilities
- Gestural communication, eye movements, head and chin pointing, hand signals, auditory scanning techniques, and using aided devices for those with adequate upper-extremity function.
AAC Considerations for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
- Recognizing the lack of naturally occurring communication opportunities and using supportive strategies.
- Choosing symbols/meanings related to the needs/preferences of the individual.
- Using natural gestures and aided devices.
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Description
Explore the intricacies of symbol systems and their various types in this quiz. Understand how symbols function, their relationship to referents, and the distinctions between unaided and aided symbol sets. Test your knowledge on the development and characteristics of different symbol systems.
