Everything we do in our daily lives requires the use of communication. How can we help our students who have difficulties with communication due to a disability? Augmentative and alternative communication systems which is better know as AAC is used to help students who have severe communication disorders. Theses communication disorders include severe Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral palsy, severe head injuries, Parkinson's disease and much more. The use of AAC provides your students who are non-verbal with a voice and a chance to really participate in the learning that happens in your classroom. The video at the bottom will give you more details on AAC and how it benefits our students who need it.
Different Types of AAC Devices
A visual schedule is a set of pictures that communicate a series of activities or the daily schedules. Visual schedules are very useful with students who have Autism. To create a visual schedule you can use pictures or photographs. You can use this visual schedule to help your student know what is coming next in the daily routine or to follow a simple task such as hand washing. I have added a video at the bottom that will give you more insight on the benefits of a visual schedule.
Mid Tech : iTalk2 with Levels
This a voice recording devices that allows you to record the sound of your voice to give your students options. This device gives you two buttons for two options. The iTalk2 allows you to pre-record choices to use throughout the day. They're great for assisting with for example, yes and no choices. The student can also use this device during snack time. When you have two choices available such as chips or cookie. This gives them the freedom to respond using this device. This is also helpful when they're trying to make choices between an activity. The tabs have a plastic covering that you can remove to place a picture of what the choices represent. I have added a video at the bottom that will give you an overview on this product and how to use it.
High Tech : TouchChat HD- AAC with WordPower
Let me start by saying that this is an app. The TouchChat is an app that you can purchase and download from the App Store on which ever device you choose to use. This app is compatible with any iPad or iPhone device. It has a wide range of vocabulary words that are useful throughout the entire day. This gives the student the ability to express themselves and their wants. The student is able to create full sentences and/or phrases describing what they'd like to eat, play, or even places they'd like to go. Before a students is able to fully master the use of this app, they will need some training on how to maneuver the app. So this means that as the teacher you will also have to get familiar with this app before bringing it into your classroom.
Additional Resources
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) By ASHA
The "why" of AAC
High Tech and Low Tech AAC: How to Effectively use Both
BoardMaker: Picture Communication Symbols
iTalk2 with Levels
TouchChat HD-AAC with WordPower
No comments:
Post a Comment