Therese

Technology Share Project AAC Devices

Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) device is a broad category for the assistive technology used to give those who cannot, or have extreme trouble speaking, a voice. Broken down, augmentative is reinforcing an idea or task and alternative is simply another way doing an activity. Simply speaking, AAC devices are another way to express thoughts and ideas. The SpringBoard Ellen is demonstrating ( [] ) uses buttons and switches to help her navigate. She is able to have a literal voice, as well as move her chair without the use of her limbs to move a joystick. Similar AAC devices can turn on televisions, stereos and play music, much like a computer and universal remote combined. Devices can be programed with specific pictures and names of friends and family, for example. Most AAC devices use pictures and icons, but some are available with a simple keyboard that speaks the words typed. DynaVox is the most popular developer of AAC devices. Zygo Industries Incoporporated also developes AAC devices and Prentke Romich Company is the developer of the SpringBoard Ellen is using. A few descriptions of the AAC devices and their developers can be found at []. AAC devices cost approximately $8,000. Medicare will cover about 80% as long as the device is considered “reasonable and necessary.”(Neighborhood Legal Services Incorporated website []) Medicare has strict seven-point checklist in which the person applying for the meet all the criteria, or will otherwise be denied a communication device and funding. A referral from the Speech and Language Pathologist must be obtained, as well as other options have been tried, and the person must have severe communication impairments are a few criteria on the checklist. A full list of the requirements can be found at []. Anyone with speech and language difficulties, especially those who are non-verbal will benefit from a communication device. Adaptations can be made for people with Cerebral Palsy, severe Autism and anyone with cognitive disabilities. Switches and buttons are available for those with limited range of motion. Communication devices are equipped with pictures, icons and words for a range of cognitive abilities. For those with extremely limited mobility, DynaVox has developed an AAC sensitive to eye movements. The user simply needs to look at the icon to be selected. As beneficial as AAC devices are, the process is tedious and time consuming. There is a lot of paperwork and including shipping the process can take up to two months. The process of selecting an icon and something to say is slow and frustrating for the listener. However, the slow pace of the selection may be necessary for the user. The voices are unrealistic and robotic with no personality. The devices are fairly user friendly but bulky and painfully obvious. A sleeker, streamlined version would be much more appealing and if possible, programming personal, human voices into the devices, or movie stars. That would be fun.



Week Seven Online Class

Hi Therese,

I am curious what you were able to find out by Googling "union" at first. What did you mean by "If the internet weren't readily available, I would've been stuck a lot longer."

I enjoyed reading your interpretation of the photos and reflection on the visual images!