Augmentative and Alternative Communication

1. What is communication?
a. Exchanging ideas, information, and emotions between individuals.

2. Brainstorm and list 20 different ways we communicate? I went on a website about Alzheimer’s, which talked about four methods of communication. From these methods I came up with some ways that people communicate their ideas, information, feelings, etc. (http://www.alzheimer.ca/en/Living-with-dementia/Ways-to-communicate)
a. Verbal; words we use and understand
i. Speaking
ii. Singing
iii. Rapping
iv. Story-telling

b. Non-Verbal body language (facial expression, posture and gesture)
i. Pointing
ii. Mimicking
iii. Smiling
iv. Frowning
v. Hand gestures
vi. Sign language
vii. Folded arms (shows boredom or impatience)
viii. Looking away from a person (not interested)

c. Written words we read and write
i. Drawing pictures
ii. Written words
iii. Drawing symbols
iv. Poetry v. Story-telling/fables

d. Para-verbal: tone, pacing, and volume of noise
i. shouting (showing anger/fear)
ii. whispering
iii. laughing
iv. sarcastic tone

3. What is AAC? Augmentative and Alternative Communication?
I researched a number of websites that explore augmentative and alternative communication. My definition incorporates information from the 2 websites I list below.
AAC is developed for individuals who do not have sufficient verbal speaking abilities “to communicate well.” AAC uses “various methods of communication” to help these individuals communicate.
Augmentative communication uses “gestures, eye pointing and body language” to assist with communication.
Alternative communication uses “pointing to symbols, signs or spelling” to assist with communication.
AAC is usually broken into 2 categories:
1. Unaided systems: examples: signing, gestures, special equipment is not required.
2. Aided systems: examples: computers, books, software, etc., special equipment is required. (PRC What Is Augmentative and Alternative Communication? http://www.prentrom.com/what-is-augmentative-and-alternative-communication Novita Children’s Services http://www.novita.org.au/content.aspx?p=64

4. Who is a typical user of AAC?
There is no typical user of AAC. Anyone who struggles with their ability to communicate would use AAC. Individuals who may benefit from AAC would include people with: cerebral palsy, autism, learning disabilities, and stroke or brain injury victims.

5. What are 3 criteria for Effective Communication?
Joint attention
Commom language
Communication partner