SLP Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) 3

Question 1

According to Light (1989), 'communication competence' in AAC encompasses which four domains?

Accepted Answer

Linguistic, operational, social, and strategic competence

Answer

Light's model of communicative competence for AAC users includes linguistic competence (language knowledge), operational competence (device use), social competence (interaction skills), and strategic competence (compensatory strategies).

Question 2

What is a 'dynamic display' in an AAC speech-generating device?

Accepted Answer

A touchscreen that automatically changes pages based on user navigation choices

Answer

A dynamic display changes the symbols visible on the screen based on the user's navigation (e.g., selecting a category opens a page with related vocabulary), allowing access to a large vocabulary through linked pages.

Question 3

Semantic compaction (Minspeak) is an AAC encoding strategy in which:

Accepted Answer

Sequences of multi-meaning icons are combined to represent words and phrases

Answer

Minspeak uses icon sequences (e.g., an apple icon + action icon = 'eat') where multi-meaning icons are combined in sequences to represent a large vocabulary with a small number of symbols.

Question 4

Which of the following represents an 'opportunity barrier' to AAC use?

Accepted Answer

A school policy that prohibits the AAC device in the cafeteria

Answer

Opportunity barriers are external constraints imposed by other people or policies (e.g., school rules, caregiver attitudes, lack of training) rather than the user's own abilities, which are termed 'access barriers.'

Question 5

Which population is most commonly associated with the use of high-tech AAC systems in clinical practice?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with complex communication needs such as ALS, cerebral palsy, or autism spectrum disorder

Answer

High-tech AAC is primarily indicated for individuals with complex communication needs (CCN) — those who cannot rely on natural speech alone due to conditions such as ALS, cerebral palsy, autism, or other significant communication impairments.

(SLP) Speech-Language Pathologist Certified Practice Test

(SLP) Speech-Language Pathologist Certified Practice Test

SLP Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) 3