This practical resource is designed to help the families and professionals who support children who use augmentative and assistive communication (AAC) to interact with the world around them. The research-based Hear Me into Voice protocol, presented at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention in 2018, the California Speech-Language Hearing Association Annual Convention in 2017, and the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication Conference in 2016, provides communication partners with a functional knowledge of the child’s communication skills and provides a practical intervention plan to carry forward. Through this protocol and intervention plan, communication partners can engage with the child’s personal voice, through their varying multimodal forms of communication; the child is given the space to grow into a competent and confident communicator. Key features include: Photocopiable and downloadable resources, including the Hear Me into Voice protocol, an AAC report shell template, an AAC report teaching template, and tools including how to make a communication wallet, and a Let’s Chat communication partner tip card template. Guidance for offering AAC intervention sessions, including an intervention plan supported by case studies Practical activities that can be used to engage children with complex communication profiles Engaging and easy to follow, this resource is not only essential for professionals and students looking to support children with complex language needs, but also families looking to understand their child’s unique communication style.

The greatest advantage of modern technology is its ability to improve the lives of all. In particular, new technologies have the potential to greatly mitigate cognitive, motor, and social impairments stemming from genetic or environmental factors. Recent Advances in Assistive Technologies to Support Children with Developmental Disorders raises awareness of disabled children and what can be done to help them grow and develop alongside their peers. Bringing together personal experiences with academic investigation, this book is an essential reference for doctors, pediatricians, pre- and primary school educators, and scientists working to enhance the impact assistive technologies have on the youngest members of society.

Providers of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) face a myriad of challenges in a rapidly changing and developing field. Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Challenges and Solutions is a unique solution-oriented text intended to prepare professionals to face those challenges with a can do perspective. Featuring contributions from prominent AAC researchers and providers, as well as actual AAC users, this resource traverses a wide range of scenarios that clinicians deal with on a daily basis. Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Challenges and Solutions is divided into five sections with each chapter offering a different evidence-based solution. Part I provides an introduction and basis for the rest of the book. Part II focuses on the unique challenges of providing AAC in childhood, while Part III centers on dealing with adult disorders. In Part IV, the authors delve into special populations and issues, such as assisting individuals with multiple disabilities. In Part V, clinicians will find tips for becoming a solution-oriented provider. Key Features: * Contributions from national experts in AAC * Quotes and vignettes representing the experiences of actual AAC users * Featured challenges faced by providers and users alike * Evidence-based solutions for ready application in clinical contexts * Tools for implementing certain strategies, including example meeting scripts * A comprehensive glossary of terms * A highly readable writing style * An introductory chapter with bolded key terms to improve retention of the material

The new demands of this "computer and technology age" have focused international attention on literacy levels, on literacy development and literacy disorders. Governments have launched programs to reduce literacy difficulties and support functional literacy for all. In this context, the needs of individuals with severe speech and physical impairments may seem relatively small, and even unimportant. However, for this group of individuals in particular unlocking the literacy code opens up tremendous opportunities, minimizing the disabling effects of their underlying speech and motor impairments, and supporting participation in society. Ironically however, for a group for whom literacy is such an important achievement, current studies suggest that achieving functional literacy skills is particularly challenging.In order to read, individuals with severe speech impairments must access a set of written symbols and decode them to abstract meaning just as anyone else must do. They must convert underlying messages into an alternative external symbol format in order to write. In order to become expert in both of these activities, they must learn at least a certain core of knowledge about how the symbols and messages relate to each other. Just as there are many ways to skin a chicken, there are many possible ways to achieve mastery of reading and writing. Although the essence of the task may remain the same for individuals with congenital speech impairments, they may process the task, or develop task mastery in ways that are quite different from speaking children who have no additional physical impairments. "Literacy and Augmentative and Alternative Communication" focuses on individuals with combined physical and communication impairments, who rely at least some of the time on aided communication. It investigates the range of research and application issues relating to AAC and literacy (primarily reading and writing skills), from the emergent literacy stage up through adulthood use of reading for various vocational and leisure purposes. It provides a balanced view of both the whole language as well as the more analytic approaches to reading instruction necessary for the development of reading skills.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Models and Applications, Second Edition describes augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) comprehensively and offers a framework for understanding how AAC intervention can be used in the process of communication. This textbook is intended to serve as the primary text for graduate-level courses in augmentative and alternative communication in speech-language pathology programs. It also serves as an essential resource for practicing clinicians. AAC is used by an ever-growing group of individuals of all ages, each with their own personal and communication needs. The book presents the various AAC interventions and teaches the prospective clinician which intervention may be effective depending on the needs, condition, and prognosis of the client. The text details how communication is shaped by internal and external factors and how communication affects social functioning. New to the Second Edition: * A revised introductory chapter reflecting recent changes in the field * Thoroughly updated chapters on technology, vocabulary, and assessment * Reorganization of the chapters for a more natural flow of information * New and revised artwork throughout including images, tables, and charts * New and expanded case studies covering different types of communicators, their needs, and AAC solutions Expanded coverage on the following topics: * The debate on core vocabulary and discussion of best practices * Perspectives and views from AAC users * Ethics in AAC service delivery * Research issues

Individuals with complex communication needs who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) frequently encounter barriers that limit their ability to achieve their full potential in communication and in life. These barriers include access barriers (limitations in the current capabilities of the AAC user or the communication systems that they use) as well as opportunity barriers (e.g., policy, practice, knowledge/skill, and attitude barriers that extend beyond the AAC user). It is essential to consider both access and opportunity barriers when designing systems and supports for individuals who use AAC. However, often the emphasis of research and practice is on addressing issues related to access barriers with far less attention to opportunity barriers. Supporting Individuals Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Breaking Down Opportunity Barriers is the first book to focus specifically on practical strategies for breaking down opportunity barriers experienced by individuals who use AAC. The text is divided into four sections, with each section devoted to a frequently encountered opportunity barrier (knowledge/skill, practice, attitude, and policy). Within each section, readers will (a) develop a deeper understanding of the impact of the barrier through the eyes of individuals who use AAC or their families, (b) acquire knowledge based on current research and recommended practices related to addressing the barrier, and (c) learn how professionals have successfully addressed the barrier via case examples from the field. The final chapter provides readers with information (as well as tools and examples) about how to go “beyond the book” and actively address the unique opportunity barriers they encounter. Key Features * Includes in-depth interviews with individuals who use AAC and their families * Identifies evidence-based and promising practices for addressing opportunity barriers * Provides tips, tools, and resources for addressing opportunity barriers * Illustrates successful strategies for addressing opportunity barriers through case examples and step-by-step guidelines for implementation * Includes contributions from professionals in the field who have successfully addressed opportunity barriers in home, school, workplace, and community settings Who Should Read This Book This book is designed to support those who find themselves frustrated by the opportunity barriers experienced by individuals who use AAC and are searching for ways to break down those barriers, including people who rely on AAC, speech-language pathologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, family members, university students, faculty in higher education, and other professionals in school, healthcare, and community settings.

Effective Augmentative and Alternative Communication Practices provides a user-friendly handbook for any school-based practitioner, whether you are a special education teacher, an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) consultant, assistive technology consultant, speech language pathologist, or occupational therapist. This highly practical book translates the AAC research into practice and explains the importance of the use of AAC strategies across settings. The handbook also provides school-based practitioners with resources to be used during the assessment, planning, and instructional process.

Clinical Cases in Augmentative and Alternative Communication provides a concise introduction to the rapidly expanding field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). It brings together internationally renowned experts in the field to discuss its application and outline key principles of intervention to support communication using AAC. Carefully grounded in evidence-based clinical practice, the book highlights the diversity of potential applications for AAC across a wide range of client groups, including children and adults with developmental disabilities, as well as adults with acquired impairments. Most of the chapters are structured as case reports following CARE guidelines and highlight key principles for intervention that are grounded in clinical practice. The chapters also include reflections on communication through AAC and the valuable contributions that AAC can make in supporting independence and enhancing quality of life. This accessible book is ideal reading for students, novice clinicians in the fields of speech and language therapy or pathology, and professionals who are new to this area of clinical practice.

This handbook reviews current knowledge about developmental disabilities. It examines evidence-based practice, research, and policy issues related to developmental disabilities with consideration to recent developments in the field.

Master the assistive strategies you need to make confident clinical decisions and help improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Based on the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model developed by Al Cook, Sue Hussey and Jan Polgar, Assistive Technologies: Principles & Practice, 5th Edition, provides detailed coverage of the broad range of devices, services, and practices that comprise assistive technology. This new text offers a systematic process for ensuring the effective application of assistive technologies — and focuses on the relationship between the human user and the assisted activity within specific contexts. It features over 30 new photos and illustrations, as well as, updated chapters and case studies that reflect current technology. Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) framework locates assistive technology within common, everyday contexts for more relevant application. Focus on clinical application guides application of concepts to real-world situations. Study questions and chapter summaries in each chapter help assessment of understanding and identification of areas where more study is needed. Coverage of changing AT needs throughout the lifespan emphasizes how AT fits into people’s lives and contributes to their full participation in society. Principles and practice of assistive technology provide the foundation for effective reasoning. Ethical issues content provides vital information to guide AT service delivery. Explicit applications of the HAAT model in each of the chapters on specific technologies and more emphasis on the interactions among the elements make content even easier to understand. New! Thoroughly updated chapters to reflect current technology and practice. New! Expanded discussion on assistive robotics and smart technologies. New! Review of global initiatives on Assistive Technology. New! Updated art program with 30+ new photos and illustrations. New! Updated case studies to reflect changes in technology and practice since last edition.