CCC Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)?
- To supplement or replace natural speech and writing for individuals with severe communication disorders (Correct answer)
- To treat the underlying neurological cause of communication disorders
- To improve articulation skills in individuals with speech sound disorders
- To replace hearing aids for individuals with hearing loss
Correct 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.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of 'unaided AAC'?
- A speech-generating device
- A communication board with picture symbols
- Manual signs and gestures (Correct answer)
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) cards
Correct 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.
Question 3: What is 'aided AAC'?
- AAC that only uses body movements and gestures
- AAC that requires an external device or tool such as a communication board or speech-generating device (Correct answer)
- AAC provided with the assistance of a trained communication partner
- AAC used exclusively in clinical settings with SLP supervision
Correct 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.
Question 4: What is a 'dynamic display' in high-tech AAC devices?
- A fixed communication board with static, unchanging pictures
- A display that changes pages or screens based on navigation, context, or user selection (Correct answer)
- A voice output device that uses pre-recorded messages activated by buttons
- A communication board made of tactile symbols for individuals with visual impairments
Correct 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.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes 'core vocabulary' in AAC?
- Vocabulary specific to an individual's unique hobbies and daily activities
- A small set of high-frequency words used across many communication contexts by most people (Correct answer)
- Vocabulary used only for requesting preferred items or food
- Technical terminology used by SLPs when writing clinical reports
Correct 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.
Question 6: What is 'feature matching' in the AAC assessment process?
- Matching AAC device features to an individual's communication needs, motor abilities, and environments (Correct answer)
- Selecting AAC symbols that visually resemble real objects as closely as possible
- Pairing communication partners with AAC users based on shared personality traits
- Matching AAC device costs to an individual's insurance coverage specifications
Correct 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.
Question 7: What does the abbreviation 'SGD' stand for in AAC?
- Symbol Guided Display
- Speech Generating Device (Correct answer)
- Supported Gestural Dialogue
- Sequential Grid Design
Correct answer: Speech Generating Device
SGD stands for Speech Generating Device, a category of high-tech AAC systems that produce electronic voice output.
CCC Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) 1
What is the primary purpose of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)?