Studies on Augmentative or Alternative Communication
Studies on Augmentative or Alternative Communication
After speech is acquired, we use verbal and nonverbal communication to manipulate our environment. We communicate to give and receive information, to express intentions, beliefs and feelings. We communicate to solve problems, to entertain and to interact. How can we communicate when we cannot speak or understand speech?
The solution is called Augmentative or Alternative Communication (AAC), a broad field that teaches alternative forms of communication to enhance the lives of the disabled. AAC is the refinement of communication modes that are not widely used in our society to individuals whose disabilities prevent them from speaking or writing as effectively as the norm. Essentially AAC can be described as any system, method, or device that improves the ability for interaction, expanding the boundaries defined by nonverbal communication learned in the classroom. For young children, it has been named YAACK (AAC for Young Kids). (Bailey p.4)
Although AAC is often used to refer to formal communication systems and devices such as sign language, communication boards, or voice output communication aids (VOCAs), it can include less sophisticated means of communication such as facial expressions, non-speech vocalizations, or specific gestures. AAC is used when a child does not develop communication in the normal fashion or experiences significant delay in its development. Ideally it will consist of more than one mode of communication, with the child learning to adapt communication modes according to environment, people, and activities at hand.
With AAC, communication occurs with at least one other person to serve several functions: to obtain or reject something, to express emotional interactions, to receive and send information and ideas. (American p.6)
A child needs AAC when his or her speech is not developing in the normal range, is temporarily unable to speak, or is unlikely to develop normally due to preexisting conditions. Candidates’ conditions for AAC include cerebral palsy, mental retardation, deafness, blindness and autism. Even Lou Gehrig’s disease and Parkinson’s may require some form of AAC. Certain temporary conditions like concussions and intubations will demand the use of some communication. (American pp.12-14)
AAC is so important because much of a child’s’ cognitive, social, and academic progress depend on communication. A child with severe disabilities is often unable to learn the early cognitive and social skills on which conventional communication is based. Caregivers of...