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Presenter(s)
Jane Odom
Prentke Romich Co.
17760 W. Ventura St.
Surprise, AZ 85379
623-544-5252
Email: janeodom@earthlink.net
Froma Cummings
SW Human Development / Scottsdale Unified SD
2850 N. 24th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Email: ot4AT@aol.com
Adults with acquired disabilities such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, huntington disease, parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, multi-system atrophy, dementia and aphasia are often able to use augmentative communication (AAC) very effectively. Goals of AAC for the adult population include social closeness, information exchange, social etiquette, expression of wants and needs and control over their environment.
Providing adults with a high quantity and quality of vocabulary in order to generate novel messages is fundamental to successful communication. It is also extremely important that some messages be stored for quick retrieval. Messages needed for quick retrieval include those for small talk, storytelling and information sharing. These stored messages are necessary in order for people to preserve their lives prior to the onset of their disabilities.
Speed and accuracy in communication are important factors to consider so that an AAC user can communicate proficiently without losing their listener's attention. It is often essential that various access modes be available within the person's AAC device. This is essential so the device can be modified as the person's physical abilities change. The tracker headpointing option and scanning are two access modes that will be demonstrated.
In order for people to access words and messages with increased speed and accuracy it is imperative that vocabulary within the AAC device be organized in a manner that facilitates timely sentence formulation. There are a variety of communication software programs that have been developed with this idea in mind. WordCore, AQLS and WordPower are three such programs developed for adults that will be discussed in detail. These programs include core vocabulary as well as areas for customized programming. The selection and teaching of the most appropriate vocabulary will be addressed.
Environmental controls allow communication devices to be used to access items in the environment as well as for communication. Pages are created for controlling items such as the television, DVD player, stereo and other home appliances in some AAC devices. Telephone access is also essential to adults. AAC devices with infrared control can access infrared telephones such as the EZ Phone. Since many phones now have a voice activation feature, an AAC device can provide a consistent method of access. Computers have become an integral part of daily life. They're commonplace in home and in the work place and are used increasingly in a social context for e-mail communications, online shopping, and electronic banking. A person who is unable to access a computer is at a great disadvantage in our modern society. Computer access capabilities and independent solutions using AAC will be introduced. Pages that can be used to access the environment will be explored.
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