AAC Tools, Devices & Communication Systems 2 â Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which feature distinguishes a dedicated AAC device from a general-purpose tablet running an AAC app?
- Dedicated devices are always cheaper
- Dedicated devices are purpose-built with ruggedized hardware and often qualify for insurance funding (Correct answer)
- General-purpose tablets cannot run symbol-based software
- Dedicated devices cannot connect to the internet
Correct answer: Dedicated devices are purpose-built with ruggedized hardware and often qualify for insurance funding
Dedicated AAC devices are ruggedized, purpose-built for communication, and are typically eligible for insurance and Medicaid funding as durable medical equipment.
Question 2: What is 'partner-assisted scanning' in AAC?
- A communication partner operates the scanning controls while the AAC user selects items (Correct answer)
- The AAC device automatically scans emails on behalf of the user
- Two users share one AAC device simultaneously
- A therapist programs vocabulary by scanning printed word lists
Correct answer: A communication partner operates the scanning controls while the AAC user selects items
In partner-assisted scanning, a communication partner points to or names items while the AAC user signals (e.g., eye gaze, vocalization) when the desired item is reached.
Question 3: A speech-generating device (SGD) that produces synthesized speech differs from one using digitized speech in that synthesized speech:
- Can only speak pre-recorded messages
- Requires a human voice recording for every new word
- Generates unlimited novel utterances from text-to-speech algorithms (Correct answer)
- Is always less intelligible than digitized speech
Correct answer: Generates unlimited novel utterances from text-to-speech algorithms
Synthesized (text-to-speech) speech uses algorithms to generate any novel utterance, while digitized speech can only replay pre-recorded audio clips.
Question 4: Which AAC system type is MOST appropriate for a beginning communicator who needs to establish intentional communication before learning symbols?
- A robust vocabulary AAC app with hundreds of symbols
- A high-tech SGD with dynamic display
- Object-based communication using real items or remnants (Correct answer)
- A letter board for spelling
Correct answer: Object-based communication using real items or remnants
Object-based communication systems use concrete, real-world items that are easiest for beginning communicators to understand and use intentionally.
Question 5: What does 'robust vocabulary' mean in the context of AAC systems?
- A vocabulary limited to nouns and verbs only
- A comprehensive vocabulary that supports all communication functions across contexts (Correct answer)
- A vocabulary limited to 100 core words
- A vocabulary restricted to academic settings
Correct answer: A comprehensive vocabulary that supports all communication functions across contexts
Robust vocabulary in AAC refers to comprehensive sets of words and phrases that support all communication functionsârequesting, commenting, questioning, social interactionâacross all contexts.
Question 6: A voice output communication aid (VOCA) that uses 'rate enhancement' strategies helps users by:
- Increasing the volume of speech output
- Speeding up message production through prediction, abbreviation, or pre-stored phrases (Correct answer)
- Automatically correcting grammar errors
- Translating messages into multiple languages
Correct answer: Speeding up message production through prediction, abbreviation, or pre-stored phrases
Rate enhancement strategies such as word prediction, abbreviation expansion, and pre-stored messages reduce keystrokes and increase the speed of communication for AAC users.
Question 7: Which of the following is an example of a low-tech AAC tool?
- An iPad running Proloquo2Go
- A DynaVox Maestro SGD
- A laminated communication board with picture symbols (Correct answer)
- An eye-tracking communication device
Correct answer: A laminated communication board with picture symbols
A laminated communication board with picture symbols is a low-tech AAC tool because it requires no batteries, electronics, or technology to operate.
AAC Tools, Devices & Communication Systems 2
Which feature distinguishes a dedicated AAC device from a general-purpose tablet running an AAC app?