AAC is divided into two categories, Unaided and Aided. Aided communication is often used alongside unaided communication. When developing or introducing a communication plan the individual’s abilities and preferences will be evaluated by a Speech Language Pathologist to determine appropriate methods.
AAC Communication Techniques
Unaided
Aided
Unaided communication occurs when the message being communicated is conveyed using the senders body without additional aides (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2016). Examples of unaided communication are manual signing (American Sign Language, American Signed English), gestures and/or body language. Unaided communication is the first form of communication used by the individual and is appropriate to use as long as it is socially acceptable and able to be understood by others (Downing et al. 2015). To incorporate unaided communication to foster Universal Design for learning, all students could learn and use ASL signs related to Calendar time. The teacher may also use gestures or signs understood by all students while providing instructions to the class or providing directions. An example of incorporating gestures is waving to the class to line up after lunch or pointing to guide student focus to required information.
This video demonstrates the 100 basic American Sign Language(ASL) signs. ASL is a form of unaided communication.
Aided communication requires additional equipment in order to communicate (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2016). This form of communication varies greatly in form, ranging from low tech picture exchange to thousand-dollar communication devices. Aided communication often is used alongside unaided communication methods. As shown in the video in this section, individuals may use speech generating devices such as a Dynovox to help communicate in various environments. Individuals may also use low-tech communication displays. An example of a low-tech communication display would be a file folder with interchangeable symbols attached to the front to allow the student to make a choice or respond. Additional choices may be stored inside to allow quick changes when in a new environment or beginning a new task. Aided communication can be used in the classroom for instruction though interactive board presentations which allow students to physically select their answers. Programs such as BoardMaker will allow the teacher to create activities where text has corresponding symbols and will read answer selections.
In this video, this individual is using a Speech Generating Device, a Dynovox, to communicate in Target.