Augmentative Alternative Communication

The fourth edition of the foundational, widely adopted AAC textbook Augmentative and Alternative Communication is the definitive introduction to AAC processes, interventions, and technologies that help people best meet their daily communication needs. Future teachers, SLPs, OTs, PTs, and other professionals will prepare for their work in the field with critical new information on advancing literacy skills; conducting effective, culturally appropriate assessment and intervention; selecting AAC vocabulary tailored to individual needs; using new consumer technologies as affordable, nonstigmatizing communication devices; promoting social competence supporting language learning and development; providing effective support to beginning communicators; planning inclusive education services for students with complex communication needs; and improving the communication of people with specific developmental disabilities and acquired disabilities. An essential core text for tomorrow's professionals--and a key reference for in-service practitioners--this fourth edition prepares readers to support the communicative competence of children and adults with a wide range of complex needs.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Engagement and Participationreexamines the basic components of human communication based on the development of meaning between two people and provides a new theoretical framework for integrating the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies into interpersonal interactions. As such, it is an indispensable resource for speech-language pathologists, special education practitioners, and researchers in AAC, as well as for instructors and graduate students in the fields of speech and hearing sciences and special education. The book employs a creative synthesis of engagement (personal involvement) and participation (exchanges) to describe meaning-making and social closeness between partners. This process allows for the acknowledgment of different levels of shared meaning and outlines a novel approach to assessment and intervention. The book also describes the importance of integrating relational (interaction-oriented) as well as instrumental (goal-oriented) communication functions as essential in maintaining on-going relationships. Most resources in AAC tend to emphasize strategies for enhancing participation, rather than strategies associated with the development of engagement ("being with") to enhance communication between communication partners. In contrast, this text uses interactions between users of AAC and their communication partners as a basis to explore the creative synthesis between engagement and participation to provide clinical guidelines for assessment and intervention in both interpersonal and classroom contexts. Key features: A novel theoretical approach focused on engagement and participation as core components in AAC interventionEmphasis on empathic listening skills of both communication partner and user of AAC strategies to facilitate engagement (emotional resonance) between themGuidance for teachers on the benefits of a meaning-based approach to communication in the classroomApplication of empathic listening strategies to people with dementia to address an increasing need for care of patients with Alzheimer disease by caregivers and family membersIntegration of social media and face-to-face interactions as central to developing relationships in AAC interactions

Effective Augmentative and Alternative Communication Practices provides a user-friendly handbook for any school-based practitioner, whether you are a special education teacher, an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) consultant, assistive technology consultant, speech language pathologist, or occupational therapist. This highly practical book translates the AAC research into practice and explains the importance of the use of AAC strategies across settings. The handbook also provides school-based practitioners with resources to be used during the assessment, planning, and instructional process.

Who's Afraid of AAC? is a clear and concise guide to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in the UK and will be an essential resource for all Speech and Language Therapists, educators, parents and carers supporting children with non-verbal communication. This book sets out to demystify AAC by demonstrating that you already have the skills necessary to use AAC successfully. Key features include: an overview of the different types of AAC analysis of the best available approaches tools to give you the context you need to make specific recommendations and choices thorough sections on different settings including Home, Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Special Schools so that guidance is relevant to individual needs numerous practical examples, templates and activities to help you implement AAC in all settings summaries of recent research and hot topics including eye-gaze technology, using AAC in exams, and internet safety so that you have the most up-to-date guidance at your fingertips. Created by a Speech and Language Therapist who specialises in AAC training for therapists, educators, and individuals with communication needs, as well as parents and carers, this is the only book of its kind written for a UK audience.

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a field which crosses many disciplinary boundaries. It is a rapidly changing field that uses the latest innovations and technologies to aid the language-disabled, and requires fluency not only in the hands-on technological aspect, but the service-delivery side as well. This well-written handbook addresses that need and is filled with practical information and extensive referencing. Some of its unique features include overview of development of assistive technology and its links with AAC, and present service delivery models in a variety of settings; discussions of available technology systems, strategies, and access, and issues of literacy development, funding and legal responsibility, and program effectiveness; examines special populations and special environments; includes case studies throughout; and extensive appendixes of devices, manufacturers, associations. A valuable text for graduate students studying communication disorders and special education, the book would be a useful addition to the professional library of anyone working with AAC users, most especially for those working with children.

Providers of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) face a myriad of challenges in a rapidly changing and developing field. Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Challenges and Solutions is a unique solution-oriented text intended to prepare professionals to face those challenges with a can do perspective. Featuring contributions from prominent AAC researchers and providers, as well as actual AAC users, this resource traverses a wide range of scenarios that clinicians deal with on a daily basis. Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Challenges and Solutions is divided into five sections with each chapter offering a different evidence-based solution. Part I provides an introduction and basis for the rest of the book. Part II focuses on the unique challenges of providing AAC in childhood, while Part III centers on dealing with adult disorders. In Part IV, the authors delve into special populations and issues, such as assisting individuals with multiple disabilities. In Part V, clinicians will find tips for becoming a solution-oriented provider. Key Features: * Contributions from national experts in AAC * Quotes and vignettes representing the experiences of actual AAC users * Featured challenges faced by providers and users alike * Evidence-based solutions for ready application in clinical contexts * Tools for implementing certain strategies, including example meeting scripts * A comprehensive glossary of terms * A highly readable writing style * An introductory chapter with bolded key terms to improve retention of the material

This definitive textbook incorporates critical information on implementing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). It explains the principles and procedures of AAC assessment and offers intervention techniques that are appropriate throughout the life span of children and adults with congenital or acquired communication disorders.