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AAC Systems

Using Sign Language as AAC

Using sign language with spoken language in order to promote language development is referred to as Total Communication. Much research has been done that supports the use of sign language with babies and young children to promote spoken language and vocabulary development.

All children use gestures before spoken words. Waving and clapping, for example, are generally seen at the 8 month level. Real first words do not usually emerge until 10-12 months of age. In addition, we know that children understand words long before they can physically produce them verbally. By 1 year of age children respond to their name, "no," nursery-rhyme games (Peek-a-boo), and other simple commands.

Sign language is a great choice as an AAC system for young children. However, it is not a viable option or the best option for all children. Below is a graph which takes a look at the pros and cons of sign language as an AAC system.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Transportable Builds off natural gestures Gestures are easier to physically produce than speech Faster access to vocabulary (no scanning) Total Communication pairs visual and auditory information Promotes verbal language by stimulating language area in brain Increases a child's expressive vocabulary ASL is a complete language system	Requires intact fine motor skills (esp. for large vocabularies) More abstract concept than photos/pictures Family members need to be committed to learning sign language Limited conversational partners (ie. a limited number of people know sign language)

Using Pictures or Photos as AAC

If a child is past the concrete "object" level of development, consider using photos or pictures to make communication boards. To determine if a child is past the "object" level, test his ability to match pictures to objects and to identify pictures by name. What may appear to be an obvious symbol to an adult can be complicated for children. Photographs are more concrete than pictures and may be a more appropriate starting place. Below is a graph that can be useful in determining the appropriate symbol choice for a child based on cognitive abilities.

Symbol Options
Progression from most concrete (easiest to comprehend cognitively) to more symbolic (hardest to comprehend)
3-D exact object (Ex. goldfish cracker = goldfish cracker) 3-D representation object (Ex. bubble wand = blowing bubbles) Color photograph Black & white photograph (Zerox) Color pictures (drawings) Black & white pictures Outline drawings (ex. Board Maker black& white)

Using Voice-Output Devices as AAC

A voice-output communication device is an electronic device that can produce speech for someone who is unable to communicate effectively through verbal communication. The voice-output communication devices referred to here use recorded digital speech as opposed to synthesized speech; that is, the teacher records novel messages on the device that will play when activated by the user. When possible, it is recommended to match the voice quality to the user (ex. gender, age).
To find out more information about the benefits of using voice-output devices with children, visit: http://aac.unl.edu .

There are numerous voice-output devices available. For very young children, we generally need to start at the beginning: a one-choice voice output device. After a child has demonstrated an understanding of how the device works as a communication tool, we progress to more choices. It may be appropriate to advance to a two- or four-choice voice output device. Certainly, there are children capable of using mulitple choice displays; however, we will focus on basic low-tech devices. When purchasing a device, it is important to start where the child is successful. Ideally, a device will allow a child to be successful, and be adaptable enough to grow with the child's abilities. Here are some voice-output devices commonly used with children as they are simple to record and quite sturdy:

One-choice Learn new ways to use this type of device.	Big Mack: Ablenet	Talking Buddy: Crestwood Comm. Aids	Little EMack: Ablenet
Two-choice	Twin Talk & Play	Rocking Say It-Play It	iTalk 2: Ablenet
Four-choice	Cheap Talk In-line	Cheap Talk Square	Tech Talk 4: AMDi
Sequenced Communicators Learn new ways to use this type of device.	Step-by-Step Communicator: Ablenet	Sequencer: Adaptivations	Partner One/Stepper: AMDi