Tate J.
Hedtke
SPED 609
Assignment #2
Standards #6
Cross Categorical Special Education/ Learning Disabilities
Middle Adolescence- Early Adulthood
Artifact Summary:
The following is a description of augmentative communication and the different types available.
These resources are important for those who have suffered injury or disease that are unable to
effectively communicate in a normal fashion. There are a diverse range of products and methods
available to serve a wide range of communication disorders which are affected by cogitative
disabilities, traumatic brain injury and a whole host of different diseases.
Wisconsin teaching standard number six prescribes that all teachers must be effective
communicators. In order to be an outstanding teacher however, one needs to be an outstanding
communicator. Communication is frequently thought of simply as speech, or verbal
communication. What happens however when a person is incapable or unwilling to
communicate verbally? Then, teachers are forced to use methods known as Augmentative and
Alternative Communication, or AAC for short. We all have the capability to use AAC and even
without realizing it, have some exposure already. Being a special education teacher, caseloads
change every year and they need to be prepared for any eventuality, and every type of
communication.
The American Speech-Language- Hearing Association defines AAC as all forms of
communication other than speech used to express wants, needs, and ideas. The ASPHA also
states that we all use AAC when we make facial expressions or gestures, use symbols or
pictures, or write. Anyone who has spent time with very young children knows they have a
rudimentary understanding of AAC. When a child feels ill, or is hungry, it is quite easy to read
the individuals facial expressions and body language. Another common form of AAC we all
know is when an individual is choking, their hands instantly clutch their throat.
In the field of education, AAC is most commonly used with individuals with autism,
traumatic brain injuries, who have suffered strokes, or other ailments which have afflicted ones
ability to talk. The basic forms of AAC which have already been mentioned such as sign
language, facial expressions and body language are known as unaided communication systems.
It is rare that for a student to be completely mute and communicate only with sign, but it is not
completely unheard of. Often times these individuals may not have special education needs
other than for their deafness. Others who may not be able to communicate by usual verbal
methods such as those who are autistic, may not be the best candidates for typical American Sign
Language, but they can still be trained to use basic signs.
Others, who have suffer from severe disabilities may be better served by something
known as aided communication systems. These systems can range from flash cards to show
what it is an individual is feeling or wants, to large and intricate computer systems. Some of
these machines can be rather inexpensive simple applications for a smart phone or tablet, or can
be additions to an electric wheel chair controlled by the eye movements of its owner.
One of the leading companies producing AAC systems is known as DynaVox. The
products of this company allow individuals to communicate who would otherwise not have the
ability. DynaVox focuses their products on individuals that have suffered stroke, cerebral palsy,
autism, ALS, intellectual disabilities, and other types of ailments that may take ones ability to
communicate such as cancers or paralysis.
A DynaVox system is essentially an intricate tablet, or speaking keyboard an individual
can enter commands in order to produce a verbal command. Simple units such as the DynaVox
Maestro are perfect for younger users who are unable to communicate body language, opinions
and wants. This device is for users that may not have well developed language and other types
of communications skills due to delays in early childhood.
More deluxe DynaVox systems can be installed on an individuals wheelchair if they are
also immobile. These systems can be used with either hand gestures, a stylus, or for a very hefty
sum the use of eye movements. One popular example of a device such as this being used is by
the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking who has suffered from ALS, or Lou Gehrigs disease
for almost forty years.
Other products offered by the DynaVox include small machines consisting of keyboards
and small displays that would allow for a nonverbal individual to communicate normally with
other non-verbal individuals, deaf individuals, or those with no impairments. These devices
allow individuals to type their thoughts, not just in sentences, or in short paragraphs but in as
long of passages as the individual desires. Those with ailments can use these devices to
communicate on a one-on-one basis in a non-educational setting as well as inside of the
classroom.
These devices can be very taxing on families as well as school districts. What is more, is
that there are not retail shops often available for small rural communities far removed from
metropolitan areas and repair can be extremely expensive. Fortunately, there are companies that
offer rental solutions for individuals and districts unable to purchase the devices. Even more, it
is possible that one can be rented or borrowed from a local CESA or other state agency.
AAC can be difficult for a young educator to get a hang of. Much like no two teachers
are built the same, no two students are built the same which forces teachers to be very flexible.
It can be even more difficult for regular education teachers to understand how to effectively
communicate with students with communication deficiencies. It is the job of special education
teachers to learn how each individual student communicates to the best of their abilities, and then
share that skill with the individuals regular education teachers and those around them.
Citations:
1) "Augmentative and Alternative Communication" . American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association, 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 10 July 2014.
<http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/AAC/>.
2) Find Help in Your Area (AAC Devices)
3) http://www.dynavoxtech.com/products/
