Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)?

Answer: To supplement or replace natural speech and writing for individuals with severe communication disorders

AAC aims to supplement or replace natural speech and writing, enhancing communication participation for those with severe communication impairments.

Which of the following is an example of 'unaided AAC'?

Answer: Manual signs and gestures

Unaided AAC relies only on the user's own body (signs, gestures, facial expressions) without requiring any external tools or devices.

What is 'aided AAC'?

Answer: AAC that requires an external device or tool such as a communication board or speech-generating device

Aided AAC requires an external tool or device, ranging from low-tech picture boards to high-tech speech-generating devices.

What is a 'dynamic display' in high-tech AAC devices?

Answer: A display that changes pages or screens based on navigation, context, or user selection

Dynamic displays allow pages to change and link to one another, enabling access to large vocabularies through navigable screens.

Which of the following best describes 'core vocabulary' in AAC?

Answer: A small set of high-frequency words used across many communication contexts by most people

Core vocabulary consists of a small number of frequently occurring words (e.g., 'want,' 'go,' 'more') that are used across many different communication situations.

What is 'feature matching' in the AAC assessment process?

Answer: Matching AAC device features to an individual's communication needs, motor abilities, and environments

Feature matching involves identifying an individual's needs, skills, and environments, then selecting an AAC system whose features best align with that profile.

What does the abbreviation 'SGD' stand for in AAC?

Answer: Speech Generating Device

SGD stands for Speech Generating Device, a category of high-tech AAC systems that produce electronic voice output.