Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a small section of Assistive Technology that helps individuals with extremely limited oral communication skills. AAC methods are not intended to replace communication but instead are meant to supplement or provide alternative means of communication. It may seem a bit confusing, but overall, it is not.
There are three types of AAC: gestural-unaided, gestural-assisted and neuro-assisted. Gestural-unaided can be thought of as non-verbal actions that a person does not need any help performing, such as American Sign Language, finger spelling and blinking. Gestrual-assisted is almost the exact opposite of gestural-unaided. It requires there to be something such as a picture board or message board an individual can use to communicate. Neuro-assisted AAC is very sophisticated in that it uses bioelectrical signals from muscle impulses and the brain. With the bioelectrical signals, a computer monitor is activated. This type of AAC is used with children who cannot use message boards and switching devices. In my special education class last year, we learn all about Augmentative and Alternative Communication and the three different types of it. I feel it would be very beneficial for everyone to learn about AAC and it benefits.
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AAC is a great way for people who are in need of help. The 3 types all help people in different ways. AAC is very important to many different people and I agree with you that people should learn about AAC.
ReplyDeleteI most definitely agree with you; AAC is a great way for individuals with communication disorders to get help. I know teachers will run into this no matter what kind of teacher they are. Educating future teachers about AAC is the best way to prepare them. Thanks for the comment, John!
ReplyDeleteIt is acutely important for special education teachers to be aware of the latest assistive technology available. Augmentative communication is especially important. Calli, I agree with your comment that it is difficult to imagine what AT will be like in the future. It's great that technological advances make it possible for people to communicate who could not otherwise do so.
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