AAC Tools, Devices & Communication Systems 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary function of a 'speech-generating device' (SGD) in AAC?
- To record and archive conversations for later review
- To produce audible speech output to replace or supplement natural speech (Correct answer)
- To assess a user's receptive language skills
- To train family members in manual sign language
Correct answer: To produce audible speech output to replace or supplement natural speech
An SGD produces audible speech output—either digitized or synthesized—to allow individuals with limited or no functional speech to communicate verbally.
Question 2: Eye-tracking technology in AAC devices works by:
- Detecting electrical signals from eye muscles via electrodes
- Using infrared cameras to track corneal reflection and calculate gaze direction (Correct answer)
- Reading brain signals associated with visual attention
- Analyzing facial expressions through standard webcam software
Correct answer: Using infrared cameras to track corneal reflection and calculate gaze direction
Eye-tracking AAC systems use infrared light and cameras to detect the reflection off the cornea, calculating where the user is looking to select symbols.
Question 3: Which display type on a high-tech AAC device changes vocabulary pages based on the user's selections?
- Static display
- Dynamic display (Correct answer)
- Fixed grid display
- Sequential display
Correct answer: Dynamic display
A dynamic display automatically changes the vocabulary page shown based on the user's navigation choices, allowing access to large vocabulary sets.
Question 4: A 'Big Mac' communicator is best described as:
- A high-tech multi-page dynamic display device
- A single-message voice output device activated by a large button (Correct answer)
- A tablet-based AAC application for complex communicators
- A scanning device with 32 vocabulary locations
Correct answer: A single-message voice output device activated by a large button
The Big Mac is a single-message recordable switch that plays one digitized speech message when its large, easy-to-press button is activated.
Question 5: In AAC, 'fringe vocabulary' refers to:
- Words located at the edges of a communication board
- Individualized, context-specific words that supplement core vocabulary (Correct answer)
- Vocabulary used exclusively for requesting items
- Symbols that are not recognized by current symbol libraries
Correct answer: Individualized, context-specific words that supplement core vocabulary
Fringe vocabulary consists of individualized, topic-specific words (names, places, hobbies) that are unique to the individual and complement core vocabulary.
Question 6: Which factor is MOST critical when selecting switch access placement for an AAC device?
- The color and size of the switch casing
- Identifying the most reliable, consistent, and easily controlled motor movement (Correct answer)
- Ensuring the switch costs under $50
- Matching the switch brand to the AAC device brand
Correct answer: Identifying the most reliable, consistent, and easily controlled motor movement
Switch placement must be based on the user's most reliable and consistent voluntary movement to ensure accurate and efficient access to the AAC system.
Question 7: What is 'symbol acuity' and why does it matter in device selection?
- The number of symbols a device can store; more symbols means better communication
- A user's ability to visually discriminate between symbols; affects symbol size and display density (Correct answer)
- The accuracy of a device's speech synthesis engine
- The speed at which a device cycles through symbol pages
Correct answer: A user's ability to visually discriminate between symbols; affects symbol size and display density
Symbol acuity refers to the visual discrimination ability of the user, which determines the appropriate symbol size, spacing, and number of items per display page.
AAC Tools, Devices & Communication Systems 3
What is the primary function of a 'speech-generating device' (SGD) in AAC?