Communication+(Low+Tech+and+High+Tech)

Communication (Low Tech, Mid Tech, and High Tech)

Augmentative and alternative communication, is according to Wikipedia, "an umbrella term that encompasses methods of communication for those with impairments or restrictions on the production or comprehension of spoken language." AAC devices range in abilities and functions from something as low tech as PECS or as high tech, like an IPAD. Whether the AAC device is low tech or high tech, its purpose is to aid spoken or written language and in some cases can replace spoken and written language. These devices are given based on the person's capabilities. Children and adults who have cerebral palsy, Autism, intellectual impairment, developmental dyspraxia, aphasia, brainstem stroke, ALS, Parkinson's, MS, or Traumatic Brain Injury are typical AAC users. Again, the degree of their disability and their capabilities, such as fine motor skills, determines what type of device they receive. Research has shown that these devices, contrary to other's beliefs, can have influential effects and help improve speech, language, and literacy skills in children who are AAC users. (Wikipedia-AAC, 2011)

Low Tech Devices Low tech communication devices are defined by the lack of batteries, electricity, or electronics needed in order to meet the needs of the AAC user. These are very simple aids which include the use of letters, words, phrases, pictures (true object based icons) or symbols to aid the user in communicating. These pictures, symbols, and/or words can be placed on numerous items such as choice boards, velcro books, photo albums, index cards, folders, or even aprons that the teacher wears in order to promote access. The Pictures Exchange Communication System or PECS allows for the tactile movement of these pictures/symbols in order to create an understanding of the symbols and develop communication. ﻿(Forms of Low Communication Aids) (Wikipedia-AAC, 4/2011)

 Choice Board  Communication Book  apron with PECS Communication Board with PECS

Mid Tech Devices

 Mid tech devices are used just the same as low tech devices in terms of aiding communication; however, these devices do require a power source, such as batteries, and training in order for the device to be used properly. Some of these devices include GoTalk, Recordable Photo Album, VoicePal Max, and Cheap Talk. ﻿ (Communication Needs: AAC Overview) (AAC Mid Tech)

<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; cursor: pointer; padding-right: 10px;">GoTalk 9 <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 12px; padding-right: 10px;">VoicePal Max <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; padding-right: 10px;">CheapTalk <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; padding-right: 10px;">Recordable Photo Album

<span style="color: #0a8a4f; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 160%; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">High Tech Devices

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%; line-height: 25px;">High tech devices, just like the low and mid tech devices are used to aid in communication through the use of pictures, but these devices require power, permits storage and retrieval of information, has speech output, requires extensive training, and usually have a mouse, keyboard, or joystick for operation either attached or on the device. These devices also usually contain visually appealing screens and access to more vocabulary. Such high tech devices include the IPAD or IPOD Touch and the Proloquo2go app, Dynavox, SpringBoard, Pathfinder, Vantange. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; line-height: 25px;">(Augmentative Alternative Communication Devices) <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; padding-right: 10px;">Wikipedia-AAC, 4/2011

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">I<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; cursor: pointer; padding-right: 10px;">POD Touch/IPAD with Proloquo2go app <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; padding-right: 10px;">SpringBoard <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; padding-right: 10px;">Dynavox <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; padding-right: 10px;">Vantage

<span style="color: #0a8a4f; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 160%; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"> A Video About Augmentative and Alternative Communications Devices

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<span style="color: #5de5a6; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 29px; line-height: 43px;">** Augmentative & Alternative Communication Devices ** =====

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