Introduction
Communication is essential to having a holistic life. ASHA states, “communication is the essence of human life and that all people have the right to communicate to the fullest extent possible” (ASHA, 2005). Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is one type of intervention that aims to help individuals with the most complex communication needs (CCN) interact with all partners in a variety of settings. Sandra, a 14-year-old female diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP), is currently in the process of being assessed for AAC intervention. By this point in the process, Sandra has already undergone several assessments investigating her unmet needs, receptive and expressive language, symbol representation, literacy, cognitive organization, …show more content…
A collaborative approach should be implemented prior to the AAC intervention, specifically during the assessment portion because “the wide variety of motor impairments in this population necessitates the involvement of professionals such as occupational and physical therapists, orthotic specialists, and rehabilitation engineers in order to determine the appropriate communication system for each individual” (Beukelman & Mirenda, 2013). In addition, it is also vital that Sandra’s vision is examined, which is already reported to be within normal limits, as this will guide the AAC team’s decision-making process in the layout of her AAC device, particularly in regards to size, spacing, and figure-ground contrast of the symbols chosen (Beukelman & Mirenda, …show more content…
Prior to determining what vocabulary should be utilized, the AAC team must first determine the contexts and situations that are priorities for intervention. This is important because an individual’s vocabulary will change depending on the circumstances of an interaction (Beukelman & Mirenda, 2013). When identifying the priority contexts, they should be meaningful to the client, interactive, motivating, and have a high impact on the individual (Light et al., 2005). Moreover, Light et al. (2005) also state that contexts that are identified as starting points should not only allow an individual to express their needs but also provide opportunities for sustained social
Communication is essential to having a holistic life. ASHA states, “communication is the essence of human life and that all people have the right to communicate to the fullest extent possible” (ASHA, 2005). Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is one type of intervention that aims to help individuals with the most complex communication needs (CCN) interact with all partners in a variety of settings. Sandra, a 14-year-old female diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP), is currently in the process of being assessed for AAC intervention. By this point in the process, Sandra has already undergone several assessments investigating her unmet needs, receptive and expressive language, symbol representation, literacy, cognitive organization, …show more content…
A collaborative approach should be implemented prior to the AAC intervention, specifically during the assessment portion because “the wide variety of motor impairments in this population necessitates the involvement of professionals such as occupational and physical therapists, orthotic specialists, and rehabilitation engineers in order to determine the appropriate communication system for each individual” (Beukelman & Mirenda, 2013). In addition, it is also vital that Sandra’s vision is examined, which is already reported to be within normal limits, as this will guide the AAC team’s decision-making process in the layout of her AAC device, particularly in regards to size, spacing, and figure-ground contrast of the symbols chosen (Beukelman & Mirenda, …show more content…
Prior to determining what vocabulary should be utilized, the AAC team must first determine the contexts and situations that are priorities for intervention. This is important because an individual’s vocabulary will change depending on the circumstances of an interaction (Beukelman & Mirenda, 2013). When identifying the priority contexts, they should be meaningful to the client, interactive, motivating, and have a high impact on the individual (Light et al., 2005). Moreover, Light et al. (2005) also state that contexts that are identified as starting points should not only allow an individual to express their needs but also provide opportunities for sustained social