Alternative and augmentative communication: a first approach for relatives
A person can associate words, gestures, objects, photographs, or a digital medium to communicate. Alternative and augmentative communication, often referred to as AAC, encompasses means that complement or support expression and understanding according to needs.
Choosing a tool is only part of the process. It is also important to consider how the person accesses it, what they wish to express, and how their partners respond. MY DICTIONARY can be part of these supports, with customization related to daily life.
Understanding a process that can combine several means
AAC does not require giving up available speech. A person can speak in certain contexts and use images in others. A familiar gesture, a paper board, and an application can also coexist.
The ASHA guidelines emphasize that it is not necessary to wait for general age or ability prerequisites to consider AAC. This does not diminish the importance of a suitable evaluation: access means and supports must correspond to the person.
Starting from what we wish to be able to say
Start with the important situations for the user, not just the needs that adults want to verify. Asking for help, refusing, commenting on a photo, or talking about a loved one are different communication functions.
You can note occasions where the person is already trying to express themselves and those where their message remains difficult to understand. This list will help choose the initial supports without permanently reducing their vocabulary to a few practical requests.
Examining access to the support with the relevant partners
Seeing the image, understanding what it represents, and selecting it are distinct questions. A difficulty in any of these dimensions can modify the choice of support. Competent professionals can help evaluate possibilities and try solutions.
- Are the representations meaningful for the person?
- Is the page visible in usual places?
- Is the selection method sufficiently accessible?
- Do partners know how to verify the message?
- Is the tool available when the person wants to speak?
Also learning to be a communication partner
The surrounding people can demonstrate the use of an image in a real situation, allow time, and respond to the expressed message. The person does not have to do all the work of making the tool understandable to others alone.
A first situation to prepare
Choose together a daily activity where a choice would be useful. Prepare the representations, the means to ask for something else, and the way to confirm. Then observe what works and what needs to be adjusted, with the support of the team.
Give a place to trial and evolution
A support tried today can evolve. A user may discover other topics, ask for more vocabulary, or need another access. Keep these possible evolutions in the project rather than considering the first page as definitive.
The DYNSEO training allows working on posture and the specificities of support situations. MY DICTIONARY offers images and routines; their relevance depends on the correspondence with the person's uses and means.
Frequently asked questions
Can AAC be used when one already speaks a little?
Yes. It can complement speech in certain situations. The means are not mutually exclusive and are chosen according to the person's needs.
Should one start with an application?
An application is one possibility among other supports. Objects, paper images, and gestures can also be part of the approach.
Who can help choose an appropriate means?
The person, their relatives, and the relevant professionals, particularly the speech therapist depending on the situation, can participate in the evaluation and trials.
Prepare your next communication situation
Choose a concrete situation, then the posture references and supports suitable for the person. The training and MY DICTIONARY can assist in this preparation.
To go further
- ASHA — Alternative and Augmentative Communication (in English) : reference resource on support or communication.
- Official page MY DICTIONARY : features and presentation of the supports.
- DYNSEO training program : content and modalities of the course.
The situations and examples proposed are preparation paths to adapt with the person and their communication partners.
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