What Is Augmentative Communication? (AC Or ACC)

Augmentative and/or AssistiveCommunication

What is Augmentative Communication? (AC or ACC)

Augmentative, sometimes referred to as alternative communication (AAC) is a method of communication used by individuals with severe speech and language disabilities, those who have Cerebral Palsy, Autism, ALS, suffered from a stroke, etc. AAC is for those individuals who are unable to use verbal speech yet are cognitively able or when speech is extremely difficult to understand. These individuals will use gestures, communications boards, pictures, symbols, drawings or a combination of all of these. An individual would point to a single meaning picture - for instance if the individual was hungry, the picture may look like somebody eating. If the individual is also physically impaired, a head pointer may be worn to indicate the picture which would relay the feeling. The methods of AAC will vary and be personalized to meet the needs of the individual. Many forms of AAC with have an assistive technology component which will come in both high tech and low tech strategies. You don't need special skills for understanding an individual who is using ACC as the processes are self-explanatory. Using AAC devices enables individuals to participate more fully in their social roles, including interpersonal interaction, learning, education, community activities, employment, volunteerism, care management, etc.

Tips for Choosing Augmentative Communication Devices

The following tips are general guidelines to help individuals evaluate communication devices. While every person is different, these tips will apply to almost all users of communication aids.

· Look for solutions that are easy to use. Computerized dynamic display screens allow individuals to compose messages using familiar methods which eliminates memorization of complicated codes and increases speed.

· Choose portable devices. Portability allows nonspeaking individuals to take their “voices” anywhere.

· Consider flexible devices. Look for devices that offer a variety of access options.

· Require excellent voice quality. Sound projection and quality are obviously important. See if the voice output can be personalized.

· Look for a device that “grows” with the user. Think about an individual’s needs a few years down the road. Can vocabulary be added and used quickly? Can the person use vocabulary independently?

· Choose durable, reliable devices. Can the device withstand the stress of daily usage? Look for reliability. Make sure the battery life lasts long enough to meet a user’s needs.

Here are some samples of augmentative or alternative communication (AAC) devices:

1- Tobii C12

The Tobii C12 is a full featured AAC device that gives users unlimited communication opportunities.

With its touch screen, weather resistant casing,

With swappable batteries, powerful speakers and Speech Generating optional eye control the Tobii c12 is the perfect Device with eye control choice for AAC users in any environment.

· Users communicate via text or symbols that generate synthesized or digitized speech, connect with others through e-mail, text message or chat.

· With the Tobii C12 users can write and edit text, surf the Internet, play music and games, control their environment, and manage their day – making independence easier than ever before.

· Can be controlled in many ways including the built in touch screen, keyboard, mouse, switches, or the optional eye control unit, the Tobii CEye. Switching input methods is easy thanks to the modular construction.

· The eye tracker unit docks seamlessly into the Tobii C12 and operates accurately regardless of glasses, contact lenses, and eye color or light conditions. For those with uncontrollable head movements, the eye tracker’s reliability

· Comes pre-installed Tobii Communicator standard edition, which allows users to communicate using text or the more than 10,000 included SymbolStix symbols.

· Easy to set up and adjust to a user’s input needs, voice preferences and other options.

· Multiple profiles can be stored making it easy to select a profile according to an input change language profile or to share a unit among users.

· Lightweight and can easily be carried. It weighs only 6.5 lbs.

· Possible to mount the C12 on any wheelchair, walker or bed frame with many different mounting systems it is.

Can be purchased @ http://www.tobii.com/assistive_technology/products/tobii_c12.aspx

2- MACAW 5 Standard - A full function digital recording communication system

CM2790

Online Price: $1,895.00 – $2,140.00

The MACAW 5 is a full-function unit which supports from as few as 2 enlarged keys to 32 keys with multi-levels (using any key pattern in each level) and Key-Linked messages. Over 78 minutes of high-quality recording time is standard. Of course, there is no limit to the percentage which may be recorded for each message.
Benefits
The MACAW 5 is a communication device used by people who do not have functional speech. Pictures or words are used to make an overlay (or a display) which represent the messages stored in each key. A person with speech records the desired messages onto the MACAW. The person using the MACAW 5 selects the message by pressing a key and the MACAW 5 speaks it.
The MACAW 5 is also used by people who do not have the ability to spell the messages they wish to communicate. Any number of keys may be combined for Key-Linked messages which are useful for spelling and sentence creation. Its design makes it suitable for people who may use just one or many levels, who benefit from concrete visual representation of the messages, or who have changing abilities and needs.
The many keyboard set-ups of the MACAW 5 can accommodate physical changes affecting accessing, need for different displays over time and so on. As the user`s needs change and abilities grow, the MACAW 5 can grow with him/her, up to 32 keys on 32 levels.
Features
• accessible using both direct selection and scanning (including auditory scanning) and a novel, simple "Morse code" access to all keys and functions
• 78 minutes of high-quality recording time
• no dead space in the keyboard
• configurable key patterns to make keyboards from 2 to 32 keys
• 32 levels
• single switch input jack
• rechargeable battery
• hinged magnetic overlay retainer
Its ruggedness, light weight and small size make the MACAW 5 easy to carry by its unique folding handle or neck strap, and its wedge shape provides a comfortable slope for access to the keyboard from a flat surface.
The MACAW 5 comes with mains charger, manual, strap, Lolly switch, rechargeable battery, and 1 year warranty.

Can be purchased @ http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/product/21736

3- Listen To Me - An affordable Augmentative Communication Device

$119.00

If you are on the go, then the Listen To Me is for you! It is lightweight and compact for ready portability. This unit is fully operational while in the clear plastic carrying case!

Lightweight and portable! Single level recording on 12 message buttons with up to 10 seconds of recordable speech per button. On/Off/Volume Control with 3 loudness settings. Power saving auto shut-off mode. Runs on 3 AA batteries (included) and also comes with a carrying case and shoulder strap!

Features

· Record and play back high quality voice messages

· On/Off/Volume control with 3 loudness settings

· 12 message buttons, each with independently recordable sound bites of up to 10 seconds

· Each button has a clear sleeve on top for exchangeable icons/pictures

· Lightweight and portable

· Carrying case has both hand and shoulder straps that can also be attached to top of unit

· Power saving auto shut-off mode

· Two external input ports: (A) Power input from AC adapter; (B) Audio input from an external source

· Red/Green light emitting diode indicates unit is in record or playback mode

· Unit is constructed of high impact plastic

· Battery compartment on rear of unit with screw closure

· Dimensions: 7" x 5" x 1"; 8.4 ounces

· Unit operates on 3 AA batteries (included)

Can be purchased @ http://d30063543.purehost.com/store/page4.html