Augmentative and Alternative Communication Across the Lifespan (461-0-1)
Instructors
Leigh Cohen
Meeting Info
Frances Searle Building 1421: Mon, Fri 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
Overview of the use and types of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) across the lifespan. Emphasis on strength based and feature matching assessments to individualize AAC for clients. Identification of barriers to communication and intervention strategies for pediatric and adult populations. Exploration of issues of funding and advocacy.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to do the following:
1. Explain terms related to AAC
2. Identify possible team members and their roles in serving the AAC population
3. Understanding there are no pre-requisites required to use AAC.
4. Describe possible populations across the lifespan with whom AAC is used and how systems differ for various populations
5. Describe and differentiate the differences between high and low tech along with pros and cons with each.
6. Describe the procedures used by the SLP to assess a particular client's communicative abilities and needs
7. Describe the impact of motor, sensory, and cognitive impairments on AAC use
8. Describe the procedures used by the SLP to select devices, vocabulary, and symbols appropriate for a particular client
9. Describe instructional delivery methods for caregiver training on those supporting AAC users.
10. Analyze design and function of a variety of AAC systems
11. Understand the process of AAC report writing
12. Understand and determine goals for clients using AAC competencies framework.
13. Demonstrate specific treatment strategies to address AAC goals
14. Describe funding challenges for AAC systems and advocacy for clients in need of AAC devices
15. Describe psychosocial impact of using AAC and discuss components of education and counseling for patients, family, and other professionals
Evaluation Method
• AAC Clinical Application x5
• AAC Clinical Reflection x4
• Boardmaker Video Tutorial (BVT)
Class Materials (Required)
Augmentative & Alternative Communication: Supporting Children and Adults with Complex Communication Needs Fifth Edition, New edition by David R. Beukelman Ph.D. (Editor), Janice C. Light Ph.D. (Editor)
Materials are posted on Canvas
Students are encouraged to consult alternate vendors (Amazon, book rentals, etc.)
Class Notes
This course is designed for graduate students in speech language pathology with an interest in developing skills and knowledge for the provision of AAC services. This is an introductory level course that provides an overview of AAC interventions and assessments. Hands-on experience with high and low tech is provided to teach concepts of AAC systems for feature matching assessments across lifespan and varying diagnoses. Case studies and AAC users are incorporated to promote observation skills and increased awareness of importance of AAC in developing autonomy for clients.
Topics include assessment of personal skills and abilities for use of AAC (vision issues, access, level of symbolic representation, etc.); identification of barriers to communication and participation, intervention strategies (including design of communication displays, partner training, etc.), funding and advocacy.