Technology — no-tech, low tech, light tech, high tech
About AAC: Technology. International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) website. General description of various aids plus list of equipment manufacturers. http://www.isaac-online.org/en/aac/technology.html
Bite Switch. Frank News at 11. News story about Frank Vanik, who has Multiple Sclerosis and who uses a bite switch to activate a speech-generating computer to communicate using Morse Code. (video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcAot1UCZ3Q&feature=related
Joanne Cafiero — "Unlocking Language Through Technology" "Assume communication potential! ... Opportunities to communicate should be continuous. ... Individuals with autism who can speak may not have access to their full internal vocabulary at all times, especially if stressed and upset. Therefore AAC should be available to support these difficult times. ... The communication partner is the single most important factor in a successful AAC intervention." http://www.joannecafiero.com/
Features of AAC Systems. University of Washington AugComm website. Information on various features to consider when selecting a device: output, input, selection set, message composition, and physical features. http://depts.washington.edu/augcomm/02_features/00_features_intro.htm
Focus on Accessing Communication Aids and Computers, Communication Matters, UK http://www.communicationmatters.org.uk/downloads/focuson/Accessing_Communication_Aids_PP.ppt
Laser Pointers for Low Tech Augmentative Communication by Margaret Cotts, MP, ATP. Video demonstrating use of laser pointer with a communication board, including suggestions for communication partners. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AooDQOzdOyE
Low tech [and non-tech] strategies can be equally effective. Examples with video clips (with transcripts) of partner-assisted scanning, eye gaze, alphabet board. http://depts.washington.edu/enables/myths/myths_aac_strategies_lowtech.htm
"Make It Yourself" Directions and Workshop Handouts by Linda J Burkhart. http://www.lburkhart.com/handouts.htm
Multiple modalities are essential. Examples of modes of communication for various purposes with video clips (and transcripts). http://depts.washington.edu/enables/myths/myths_aac_strategies_multimodal.htm
NeuroSwitch Enables Veteran with Locked in Syndrome. "Gary Griffin has quadriplegia and loss of speech due to ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - Lou Gehrig's disease) but communicates with his family, and on the internet using NeuroSwitch and nerve-based signals in his cheek." (Video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWe5YVV9dWs&feature=related
No-technology Augmentative and Alternative Communication: By assigning choices and eye/gestural pointing (No-Tech AAC), West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre. Basic strategies with photo demonstration. http://www.actwmids.nhs.uk/AAC/resources/low-tech-aac/no-tech-aac.pdf
Assistive Technology: Selecting an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device for Your Child by Kari Jaehnert, Assistive Technology Specialist, PACER Simon Technology Center Minneapolis, MN. Factors to consider in selecting a device and implementing strategies to improve communication. http://www.ucp.org/ucp_channeldoc.cfm/1/14/86/86-86/3916
Speech Bubble website by Ace Centre (UK). Detailed information on communication aids: choose a communication aid or search by feature or compare communication aids; find software, find a vocabulary; searchable site. http://www.speechbubble.org.uk/
Strategies evolve over time. Example of the various strategies one person used through the years (video clip and transcript). http://depts.washington.edu/enables/myths/myths_aac_strategies_evolve.htm
There are so many access strategies to consider. Examples with video clips (with transcripts) of Morse Code, partner assisted scanning, and eye gaze. http://depts.washington.edu/enables/myths/myths_aac_strategies_access.htm
