Communication Aids: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

The power of technology in catalysing human strengths and mitigating bodily defects is a true marvel of the modern age. Communication Aids are among the most common examples of this human-technology bond. These innovative tools, also known as Augmentative and Alternative Communication, open up a vibrant world of expression for those who struggle with speech.

Essentially, AAC techniques, ranging from simple picture boards to advanced speech-generating devices, don’t just provide a voice. They unlock a new way of connecting, empowering individuals to share their unique stories. This blog delves into the world of Communication Aids, covering everything from their types to the process of choosing the right aid. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

1) What are Communication Aids?

2) What is AAC?

3) Communication Aids Types

4) Communication Aids Eligibility Criteria

5) Communication Aids Examples

6) How to Choose the Right Communication Aids?

7) How do Communication Aids Work?

8) What are the Communication Aids for Autism?

9) Conclusion

What are Communication Aids?

Communication Aids are anything that helps someone to communicate, including everything from bespoke technological devices to picture books. Communication Aids are often used by people with learning disabilities, autism and others who struggle to communicate by speaking. Communication Aids are often referred to as AAC devices which stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

What is AAC?

Also referred to as non-formal communication, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is the kind of communication that falls outside of typical Verbal Communication. These devices can either be an alternative to those individuals without speech or they can augment someone’s existing speech.

AAC devices are divided into ‘Low tech’ (paper or people-based systems) and ‘high tech’ (computer-based systems). The Electronic Assistive Technology Service provides assessment and provision of high-tech AAC systems for people with the most complex needs.

We often use ways of communicating beyond spoken language. For example, pointing to something or giving a “thumbs-up” sign, which are examples of Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

AAC devices or Communication Aids are used by people who are non-speaking, including individuals with:

1) Autism

2) Learning disabilities

3) Cerebral palsy

4) Multi-sensory impairment

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Communication Aids Types

Communication Aids are mainly divided into two types: Electronic and Paper-based Aids. Let's discover what exactly they are:

Electronic AAC Devices

Electronic AAC devices are designed to support spoken communication through technology. They include dedicated speech-generating devices or mobile apps that convert text or symbols into spoken words. These tools can be fully customised to suit individual needs, helping users express themselves clearly and efficiently in different situations.

Paper-based AAC Devices

Paper-based AAC devices do not use electricity or batteries. They include communication boards, picture books, or Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) cards. These tools help people express themselves using images, symbols, or written words and are simple, portable, and easy to use in everyday life.

Communication Aids Eligibility Criteria

The Electronic Assistive Technology Service encompasses the East Midlands Region, which includes Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, and Nottinghamshire (including Bassetlaw). The eligibility criteria depend on whether your General Practitioner (GP) is in one of the Clinical Commissioning Groups covering these regions.

NHS England draws up eligibility criteria as part of the service specification. It's highly recommended that you contact your local language and speech therapist to ensure you or the person being considered for the referral meets the criteria.

In brief, the referral criteria for the service are:

1) A complex communication difficulty that's associated with a range of cognitive, physical, learning or sensory deficits.

2) A clear discrepancy between the ability to speak and their level of understanding.

3) The person must be able to understand a Communication Aid's purpose.

4) The person must have developed beyond cause-and-effect understanding.

5) The person must have experience using low-tech AAC, which needs to be improved to enable them to realise their communicative potential.

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Communication Aids Examples

Here are some simple examples of Communication Aids that help people who find it hard to speak or express themselves. Each one supports communication in a different way.

Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs)

Voice Output Communication Aids, or VOCAs, are electronic devices that help people talk using technology. They look like tablets or iPads and speak out loud when the user touches words, letters, or pictures on the screen.

Key Features:

1) Work like a talking tablet or device

2) The user taps on pictures or words to make the device speak

3) Can use a real or computer-generated voice

4) Easy to customise for each person

5) Help users talk and share ideas more easily

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) helps people communicate using pictures instead of words. It does not need electricity or batteries and is often used by children or people with autism.

Key Features:

1) Uses picture cards to show what someone wants or needs

2) A person can hand over a picture, like an apple, to ask for one

3) The cards are kept in a PECS or communication book

4) Helps people learn to ask, share, and take turns

5) Simple, clear, and great for everyday communication

How to Choose the Right Communication Aids?

Choosing the right Communication Aid involves considering several factors to ensure it effectively meets the user’s needs. Here are some key steps to guide you:

1) Assess Communication Needs: Determine the nature, length, complexity, and context of the communication. Also, consider the person’s standard methods of communication, such as sign language, gestures, or speech.

2) Evaluate Abilities and Preferences: Assess the individual’s physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities. Consider personal preferences and comfort with different types of aids.

3) Consult Professionals: Work with a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) or other specialists who can thoroughly assess and recommend suitable options. They can also help train and adapt the aid to the user’s needs.

4) Explore Different Types of Aids: Try low-tech options such as gestures, facial expressions, writing, drawing, and picture boards and high-tech options such as apps on tablets and speech-generating devices.

5) Consider Environmental Factors: Consider where and how the aid will be used. For example, will it be used at home, school, or work?

6) Check Funding and Insurance: Some Communication Aids may be covered by insurance. So, it’s essential to explore funding options and understand what is available.

7) Trial and Adaptation: It’s often helpful to try different aids to see which works best in real-life situations. Be open to adjusting based on feedback and changing needs.

How Do Communication Aids Work?

Communication Aids work by helping people express their thoughts, needs, and feelings when speech is difficult or not possible. These tools replace or support spoken communication using symbols, pictures, text, or sounds.

1) They help people share what they want to say, even if they cannot speak

2) Some aids, like VOCAs, turn pictures or words into spoken messages

3) Others, like PECS, use simple pictures or cards to show what a person means

4) Many can be changed to suit a person’s age, language, or movement abilities

5) The main aim is to make communication easy, and to help the person feel confident

What are the Communication Aids for Autism?

People with autism use different tools and ways to help them communicate more easily. These aids make it simpler to share thoughts, needs, and feelings. Those aids include:

1) Writing: Using pen and paper or typing to share thoughts, needs, or answers

2) Gestures and Eye Gaze: Pointing or looking to show what you mean

3) Sign Language: Talking with hand signs and expressions

4) AAC Systems: Simple or digital tools that help people communicate

5) Vocal Sounds: Using noises instead of words to share feelings

6) Visual Schedules: Pictures that show daily routines or steps

7) PECS: Picture cards used to ask for things or make choices

8) Communication Boards: Boards with pictures or words to point at

9) VOCAs: Devices that speak when you touch words or pictures

Conclusion

In a world where communication is critical, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a vital bridge for those with speech challenges. Investing in these tools is investing in the voices that deserve to be heard, which ends up enriching our lives and communities. We hope this blog helps you gain deeper insight into the profound importance of Communication Aids.

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