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AAC
Tool Selection: Important Issues to Consider
Almost without
exception, AAC tools and strategies - as the name
clearly states - augment or add to the unaided communication
abilities of an individual with disabilities. When selecting
technology for
most AAC users, this should be kept firmly in mind and interpreted
literally. Attempting to replace an individual’s approach
to functional communication with a device that operates according
to
someone else’s design — and therefore must be learned
and mastered – is typically. Selection of an AAC tool and
strategy that is inconsistent with an individual’s abilities,
preferences and needs generally wastes money, effort, and most
important, of
the user’s irreplaceable time.
In order to
make decisions about what AAC tools and strategies are likely
to be most effective
and efficient for a particular
individual,
there are many issues that must be considered.
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The
remainder of this module, which is currently under development,
will include a discussion of the following issues:
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- Vocabulary
selection
- Vocabulary
storage and recall
- Device
input option
- Direct
selection
- Scanning
- Coding
- Device
processing options
- Device
output options
- Auditory
Output
- Digitized
speech
- Synthesized
speech
- Visual
output
- Tactile
output
- Display
Types
- Static
- Dynamic
- Combination
Expanded
explanations will include: an over of the issue, options,
strengths and challenges of each option, and some thoughts
on the effectiveness and efficiency of the option for
different individuals and under different conditions. |
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