Augmentative and Alternative Communication Across the Lifespan (461-0-1)
Instructors
Rylie Kayhana Young
Meeting Info
Frances Searle Building 1421: Tues, Thurs 8:00AM - 9:20AM
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. Professional Practice Competencies: accountability; effective communication skills, evidence-based practice, and professional duty.
a. Identify possible team members and their roles in serving the AAC population
b. Describe instructional delivery methods for caregiver training on those supporting AAC users.
c. Describe psychosocial impact of using AAC and discuss components of education and counseling for patients, family, and other professionals
2. Knowledge of various communication disorders and etiologies that frequently do or do not call for implementation of AAC, along with the understanding that unique situations may require novel technological solutions.
a. Describe possible populations across the lifespan with whom AAC is used and how systems differ for various populations.
3. Knowledge of the rationale, evidence, and methods of assessment and intervention for individuals who may benefit from assistive technology to increase functional communication independence.
a. Understanding there are no pre-requisites required to use AAC.
b. Describe the procedures used by the SLP to assess a particular client's communicative abilities and needs
c. Understand the process of AAC report writing
4. Knowledge of the evidence-based intervention plans and training protocols for AAC users across the lifespan.
a. Describe the procedures used by the SLP to select devices, vocabulary, and symbols appropriate for a particular client
b. Understand and determine goals for clients using AAC competencies framework.
c. Demonstrate specific treatment strategies to address AAC goals
5. Knowledge of various technology options (e.g., low, mid, high-tech; speech vs non-speech generating), access methods (e.g., direct selection, button/switch, eye-gaze), and available adaptations to foster AAC user success and independence.
a. Describe and differentiate the differences between high and low tech along with pros and cons with each.
b. Analyze design and function of a variety of AAC systems
c. Describe the impact of motor, sensory, and cognitive impairments on AAC use
6. Knowledge of resources, collaborators, and funding sources to complete assessments, acquire necessary technology, and provide intervention for potential AAC users.
a. Describe funding challenges for AAC systems and advocacy for clients in need of AAC devices
Evaluation Method
• AAC Clinical Application x8
• AAC Case Studies x6
• AAC Group Projects x 2
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
Overview of the most clinically relevant and crucial topics related to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies and supports. The presented information covers core knowledge and skill areas in AAC as mandated by ASHA standards. Specifically, it will provide demographic/background information, an in-depth understanding of assessment and treatment, and an overview of evidence-based paradigms associated with augmentative and alternative communication strategies across the lifespan.
This is an introductory level course that provides an overview of AAC interventions and assessments with hands-on experience with high and low tech to teach concepts of AAC systems for feature matching assessments across the lifespan and varying diagnoses. Case studies and AAC user experiences are incorporated to increase awareness and importance of AAC to develop autonomy for clients and families.
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.