AAC High-Tech AAC Device Programming 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When programming a dynamic display AAC device for a school-aged child, which grid size is most commonly recommended as a starting point for emerging communicators?
- 4x4 (16 cells) (Correct answer)
- 8x10 (80 cells)
- 2x2 (4 cells)
- 9x12 (108 cells)
Correct answer: 4x4 (16 cells)
A 4x4 grid (16 cells) is widely recommended as a starting point for emerging communicators to reduce visual clutter and cognitive load.
Question 2: Which feature in high-tech AAC software allows a symbol or word to automatically generate grammatically correct word endings (e.g., plurals, verb tenses)?
- Word prediction
- Morphological encoding
- Automatic grammar assistance (Correct answer)
- Semantic compaction
Correct answer: Automatic grammar assistance
Automatic grammar assistance (also called 'word endings' or 'grammar support') automatically applies morphological endings based on context.
Question 3: A clinician wants to set up partner-assisted scanning on a high-tech AAC device. What is the primary role of the communication partner in this access method?
- The partner controls the switch interface directly
- The partner verbally or visually presents options and the user indicates their choice (Correct answer)
- The partner selects vocabulary items on behalf of the user
- The partner adjusts motor settings in the device software
Correct answer: The partner verbally or visually presents options and the user indicates their choice
In partner-assisted scanning, the communication partner presents options aloud or visually, and the user signals when the desired choice is highlighted.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes 'core vocabulary' as implemented in high-tech AAC device programming?
- Subject-specific vocabulary used only in academic settings
- A small set of high-frequency, multi-purpose words that are always accessible on the main page (Correct answer)
- Topic-specific pages accessed through navigation
- Symbol sets designed for users with cognitive impairments only
Correct answer: A small set of high-frequency, multi-purpose words that are always accessible on the main page
Core vocabulary consists of a small set of high-frequency, versatile words kept on the main/home page for constant access across all contexts.
Question 5: When customizing symbol appearance on a high-tech AAC device, which adjustment is most important for a user with cortical visual impairment (CVI)?
- Increasing the number of symbols per page
- Using high-contrast colors and reducing visual complexity (Correct answer)
- Adding text labels below every symbol
- Enabling rapid symbol animation
Correct answer: Using high-contrast colors and reducing visual complexity
Users with CVI benefit most from high-contrast color schemes and reduced visual complexity to support their atypical visual processing.
Question 6: In high-tech AAC programming, what is the function of a 'carry page' or 'linked page'?
- A page that stores emergency messages
- A page that persists across navigation and provides access to frequently used words regardless of current page (Correct answer)
- A backup copy of the main vocabulary page
- A page automatically created by the device for word prediction
Correct answer: A page that persists across navigation and provides access to frequently used words regardless of current page
A carry page (or toolbar) remains visible across all pages, giving the user consistent access to core vocabulary during navigation.
Question 7: A speech-language pathologist is programming a high-tech AAC device for a user who communicates primarily via eye gaze. Which dwell time setting consideration is most critical during initial programming?
- Setting dwell time as short as possible to maximize speed
- Calibrating dwell time to match the user's motor control and reduce accidental activations (Correct answer)
- Using the manufacturer's default dwell time for all users
- Setting dwell time to 5 seconds regardless of the user's abilities
Correct answer: Calibrating dwell time to match the user's motor control and reduce accidental activations
Dwell time must be calibrated to each user's motor control capabilities to balance activation speed with minimizing unintentional selections.
AAC High-Tech AAC Device Programming 2
When programming a dynamic display AAC device for a school-aged child, which grid size is most commonly recommended as a starting point for emerging communicators?