Ways of Augmenting Communication through

Technology

KEYCOMM-Lothian Communication Technology Service

Aim of AAC

• To help individuals with severe communication impairment make use of a range of strategies to enhance their communication ability

Functional Communication

• Use of effective communication in everyday contexts

• Being able to participate in everyday activities

• Fostering independence and autonomy

People who can benefit

• People with Severe Communication Impairment secondary to:

• Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Stroke, Acquired Brain Injury, Developmental Delay, Learning Disabilities, Parkinson’s Disease, Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis

Basic Principles

• Communication disability has a profound impact on social welfare, health, education and employment

• Technology can improve the life of an individual

• Support is essential to families, users and carers

• Joint decision making

• We all communicate in many different ways

• Each individual needs a range of communication strategies at their disposal

• Speech, gesture, signs, drawing, communication board, voice output communication aid

Main objective-4 I’s

• Interactive• Included• Integrated• Involved

• IN COMMUNICATION and DAILY ACTIVITIES

Any strategy or system must:

• Be flexible to accommodate changing needs. May need different types of AAC in different phases of recovery

• Allow for participation and control

Team working

• The team works collaboratively

• Joint assessments

• Joint working with outside agencies

• User and family are key

Types of Communication

• Face to face communication

• Non face to face including telephone, intercom and door entry system, email

• Controlling environment

Low tech communication aids

Low tech communication aids

Medium tech communication aids

allow for choice making

High tech communication aids

Switches

• Range of switches• Pressing or

squeezing• Can be operated

by movement or sound

• Activated by any part of body

Non face to face communication

• Door entry system

• Telephone

• Intercom

• Internet and email

Controlling your environment

Buzzer system getting attention

Any mains appliance through power link

Lights, television, CD player

Alarm system

Simple Environmental Control

Alarm System

What to do…

• Contact AAC service in your area or Scottish service

• Request AAC assessment

• Will the user benefit from use of technology to improve communication, participation, control?

• Support

• Training

• Communication Environment

• Communication Partner

• Opportunities for communication

Main aim is to make sure individual is able to…

• Participate• Feel included• Access daily

activities including education,leisure and work

• Be as independent as possible

Communication is vital!

KEYCOMM- Lothian Communication Technology

Service40 Broomhouse Crescent

Edinburgh EH11 3UB0131-443-6775

deborah.jans@educ.edin.gov.uk