Monday, 1 April 2013

I can...get my toes wet!



Often when people imagine using AC, they think of really competent, literate people such as Stephen Hawking. Although he truly is an inspiration, the process to become a literate AC user can be daunting.  How can emergent communicators get their toes wet with augmentative communication?  In this issue, we’ll explore simple ways get started with communicating using AC. 

Non Verbal Communication 
When kids aren't able to make themselves understood they often use many forms of non-verbal communication to express themselves such as facial expression, gestures, sounds, and some word approximations.   It's important to recognize this communication and to reinforce it by responding in a positive way.   

For example, perhaps your child looks at toys to indicate they'd  like to play. Tell them what you are seeing and what you think it means.  "I see you looking at your toys, I think you're telling me you'd like to play".  It feels great when you are able to understand your child's non-verbal communication.  Share this skill with others so that your child can communicate with others in the same way. 

You can capture all of this information in a "Communication Dictionary" where you can document what your child is doing (communication behaviour), what you think it means and how to respond.  Although this is a simple tool, it can open the doors of communication with less familiar people.   It also provides them with the opportunity to connect with your child so that together they can share a new experience or learn something new. You can download an example of a communication dictionary and a template to get you started: Communication Dictionary Template

You can also capture this information in a "Communication Passport" along with other personal information that allows your child's personality to shine through. By sharing your child's areas of interest with others, you can help your child communicate about the things that are important to them. For more information and to download a template:  http://www.communicationpassports.org.uk/Home/ 

Why Symbols?
Kids who aren't yet reading, may use symbols as their language of communication.  Often kids start out using photographs because they are familiar and represent the exact item they want. We communicate for so many reasons including: to request things, to share feelings, to refuse, to ask questions, to comment and so much more.  In order for kids to communicate for all of these reasons, they need to learn a symbol system to represent feelings, actions, places, describing words (big/little), and concepts (in/out, on/under, more/less).

Symbol Types and Hierarchy:  This list provides the order of the easiest representations for a student to understand.
Real Objects
Color photographs
Black and white photographs
Miniature Objects
Symbols
Printed words
Symbols Libraries:  
There are a variety of symbol libraries that are used in augmentative communication systems.  Together with your child’s SLP choose a symbol set. Here are some examples of some commonly used symbols:
(Boardmaker)
by Widgit (Communicate in Print Software)
by N2Y (Online Symbol Library) 
by Prentke Romich Company
from the Bliss Symbolics Communication Institute Canada   

Access to Symbols:  Talk with your clinicians or school team about the need to produce symbols at home for your child.  You may also find access to symbol-making software at your child’s school or community library.

Creating Symbols and Boards: There are plenty of ready made boards that you can access online.  If you have access to Boardmaker, you can often download them and customize them for your child.   Boardmaker Community is a website where you can download or upload these types of resources. 


Simple Speech Generating Devices:  There are sometimes opportunities to borrow simple speech generating devices from a school or a children’s treatment centre.  You could also request a short-term loan of a device through some distributors. 

If you get the chance to borrow a BIGmack, a Step-by Step or a similar device….try out some of these ideas:




iPod, iPhone, iPad Options for Simple Speech Generating Devices
There are some apps that can be used as simple messaging devices if your child is able to access a button on an idevice.  

Examples of Single Message Apps:

  • Sounding Board by Ablenet (Free): This app can be configured to allow 1 button on the screen but can also be used with more messages.  https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/soundingboard/id390532167 * in Canada, search under iphone apps.  You can adjust the size of the screen by touching 2x on the bottom right.


  Example of Sequential Message App: 

If you get the chance to borrow a device that has more than one button (e.g. Supertalker or Go Talk), search online for some ready made overlays.  

I Can...be a Star! 
This month, we are happy to introduce clients who are using Augmentative Communication strategies and/or equipment to participate...way to go!

Here's a way to grab people's attention...share information about your child's communication using a new tool called "Prezi".  Take a look at this amazing presentation that was created to allow Abby to share information about herself with her classmates.


Brittany uses many methods to communicate and has recently learned to use a speech generating device (SGD) to make requests to her family, friends and teachers.  Watch this video and see how she's asking for things she wants.  Well done Brittany!  Keep building those communication skills with your Alt Chat SGD!




Dallas is learning to use his device to clarify his communication.  Here he is using it to help read a story with his educational assistant.  He uses his device to participate in the classroom - answering his teacher's questions and contributing his ideas to the class.  He has also given a speech to his class about one of his favourite topics - baseball.  Well done Dallas!  Keep on communicating!
 

Posted by Gill Steckle and Kelli Vessoyan at 09:02 0 comments
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