Augmentative Communication news stories with Karen Kaye-Beall and Tyler
If you would like to see some short news shows that feature Karen Kaye-Beall working with her son Tyler Beall on an augmentative communication device and also see a range of AAC devices in the Foundation for Autism Support and Training - Augmentative Communication Showroom and Demonstration Center, go to www.myarchway.ning.com and become a member (free of charge). Scroll down the far left hand margin and you will find the links to a variety of news reports.
There is also a very good introductory video on You Tube on this subject:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb_URYj_L_k
Although this You Tube video primarily features Dynavox products, by no means is Dynavox the only manufacturer.
Here is a list of only a few of the hundreds of other manufacturers. This list represents the devices we have in our AAC showroom and does not necessarily constitute an endoresment. Some manufacturers were kind enough to donate a sample device to our non profit showroom, some provided signficant discounts, others did not cooperate, so we had to purchase a few devices to have a comprehensive sample of devices.
These prices were 2009 prices so do your research with each company to get up to date pricing.
My son Tyler is using a green Vantage Lite (by Prentke Romich) with Picture Word Power added onto it. You will find that info below as well. We really like this device and software for Tyler, but keep in mind, a qualified speech and language pathologist must do a proper assessment to determine which device will best serve your chld or adult with autism. Check with your school system's special education department to see if they have an Assistive Technology Department. If so, try to arrange an AAC assessment free of charge for your child.
If you can not get that service where you live, call any of the vendors below, especially Dynavox or Prentke Romich to speak with their Speech and Language Pathologist to see if they can provide you with the name of a qualifed expert you could hire privately in your area for an AAC assessment. Other vendors below may also be able to provide that advice and referral information.
Little Mack, Ablenet Inc. $109. 800-322-0956
Step by Step, Ablenet Inc $140-179. 800-322-0956
Talk Pad, Frame Technologies $99. 920-869-2979
Lingo, Ablenet Inc $179. 800-322-0956
Voice Pal 8K, Adaptivation, Inc. $219. 800-723-2783
SuperTalker, Ablenet Inc $375. 800-322-0956
Go Talk 9, Attainment Corp. $199. 800-327-4269
Go Talk 20, Attainment Corp $249. 800-327-4269
Chat PC, Saltillo $2020-$2800 330-674-6722
Auggie, RJ Cooper, $2000 800-752-6673
Mini Auggie, RJ Cooper $1149 (case $49) 800-752-6673
Vantage Light, PRC, $7000-$8000. 800 -262-1933
Dynavox V, DynaVox/Mayer-Johnson 866 - 396-2869$7500-$8500
Speaking Dynamically Pro, Mayer-Johnson Co. $519 + Picture WordPower add on +$350. 800-588-4548
For further information on augmentative communication devices and how they can help individuals with autism, go to: www.myarchway.org and click on the menu choice called Augmentative Communication.
For those interested in finding community housing options for adults with autism as part of life planning, go to www.myarchway.ning.com and join ARCHway. You will be invited to participate in free webinars in the near future on developing community housing options for adults with autism.
To see our public service announcement on autism housing that has been seen by nearly 15 million people to date, go to You Tube and search the term "autism housing" or go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtdo6Zh4ok4
Karen Kaye-Beall, director of ARCHway-FAST
Showing posts with label augmentative communication devices. Show all posts
Showing posts with label augmentative communication devices. Show all posts
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Why does Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Work so Well for People with Autism?
Why does Augmentative and Alternative Communiation (ACC) work so well for people with autism?
In a leading book on AAC by Joanne Cafiero, PhD, Meaningful Exchanges for People with Autism, www.woodbinehouse.com, Dr. Cafiero talks about all the ways AAC fits people with autism well (page 26)
Most people with autism are visual learner - AAC uses visual cues
Many people with autism are interested in inanimate objects - AAC tools and devices are inanimate
Many people with autism have difficulty with complex cues - Level of complexity can be controlled so AAC grows with the child
Many people with autism have difficulty with change - AAC is static and predictable
Most people with autism have difficulty with the complexities of social interaction - AAC provides a buffer and bridge between communication partners
Some people with autism have difficulty with motor planning - AAC is motorically easier than speech
Many people with autism experience anxiety - AAC interventions don’t apply pressure or stress (when introduced properly)
Many people with autism present behavioral challenges - AAC provides an instant means to communicate, preempting difficult behaviors
Many people with autism have difficulty with memory - AAC provides means for language comprehension that relies on recognition rather than memory.
On page 33, Dr. Cafiero lists the benefits of AAC for individuals with autism:
May stimulate brain development
Supports functional spontaneous communication
Facilitates access to social information
Facilitates inclusion at home, school, and community
Facilitates greater independence in the home, school, and community
Facilitates access to literacy experiences
Preempts the need to develop aberrant communicative behaviors (reduces meltdowns) Provides voice and ears to people with autism, including psychological benefits of better understanding others and being understood
Facilitates an improved sense of self concept due to greater independence and fewer outbursts
Is an augmentative communication device only appropriate for who are non-verbal?
Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) are programmed to provide a functional and effective vocabulary for any individual with communication problems, regardless of age or diagnosis. There are no cognitive, behavioral, or language prerequisites required for most augmentative communication interventions. Nearly anyone can benefit from augmentative communication tools and strategies.
SGDs are intended to enhance existing functional communication by:
1) Clarifying vocalizations, gestures, body language, etc.
2) Expanding the language of limited speakers by increasing their vocabulary to include verbs, descriptors, exclamatory comments, etc.
3) Replacing speech for people who are nonverbal;
4) Providing the structures and tools to develop language.
To learn much more about augmentative communication devices (speech generating devices) for people with autism, go to www.myarchway.org and click on the menu choice called Augmentative Communication.
There you will find a broad table of contents on this subject including:
Why does Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ACC) work so well for people with autism?
Is an augmentative communication device only appropriate for people who are non-verbal?
How do augmentative communication devices work?
What are the ranges of topics an AAC user can communicate about using an augmentative communication device?
Where can I learn about the many different types of AAC Devices?
If my child learns to use an Speech Generating Device (SGD), will they become overly dependant on the device to communicate and will they stop using the words and functional spontaneous communication they already have?
How much do these SGDs cost and will my private insurance cover the costs?
Where can I go to learn about and actually try out a variety of ACC devices?
Are there helpful websites about AAC strategies and topics?
Where can I receive advice, consultation and an AAC assessment on which particular SGD will best serve my child’s needs and where can I be trained on how to use a device?
Are there Speech and Language Pathologist jobs in Maryland where training is provided on AAC?
For those interested in finding community housing options for adults with autism as part of life planning, go to www.myarchway.ning.com and join ARCHway. You will be invited to participate in free webinars in the near future on developing community housing options for adults with autism.
To see our public service announcement that has been seen by nearly 15 million people to date, go to You Tube and search the term "autism housing" or go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtdo6Zh4ok4
Karen Kaye-Beall, director of ARCHway-FAST
In a leading book on AAC by Joanne Cafiero, PhD, Meaningful Exchanges for People with Autism, www.woodbinehouse.com, Dr. Cafiero talks about all the ways AAC fits people with autism well (page 26)
Most people with autism are visual learner - AAC uses visual cues
Many people with autism are interested in inanimate objects - AAC tools and devices are inanimate
Many people with autism have difficulty with complex cues - Level of complexity can be controlled so AAC grows with the child
Many people with autism have difficulty with change - AAC is static and predictable
Most people with autism have difficulty with the complexities of social interaction - AAC provides a buffer and bridge between communication partners
Some people with autism have difficulty with motor planning - AAC is motorically easier than speech
Many people with autism experience anxiety - AAC interventions don’t apply pressure or stress (when introduced properly)
Many people with autism present behavioral challenges - AAC provides an instant means to communicate, preempting difficult behaviors
Many people with autism have difficulty with memory - AAC provides means for language comprehension that relies on recognition rather than memory.
On page 33, Dr. Cafiero lists the benefits of AAC for individuals with autism:
May stimulate brain development
Supports functional spontaneous communication
Facilitates access to social information
Facilitates inclusion at home, school, and community
Facilitates greater independence in the home, school, and community
Facilitates access to literacy experiences
Preempts the need to develop aberrant communicative behaviors (reduces meltdowns) Provides voice and ears to people with autism, including psychological benefits of better understanding others and being understood
Facilitates an improved sense of self concept due to greater independence and fewer outbursts
Is an augmentative communication device only appropriate for who are non-verbal?
Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) are programmed to provide a functional and effective vocabulary for any individual with communication problems, regardless of age or diagnosis. There are no cognitive, behavioral, or language prerequisites required for most augmentative communication interventions. Nearly anyone can benefit from augmentative communication tools and strategies.
SGDs are intended to enhance existing functional communication by:
1) Clarifying vocalizations, gestures, body language, etc.
2) Expanding the language of limited speakers by increasing their vocabulary to include verbs, descriptors, exclamatory comments, etc.
3) Replacing speech for people who are nonverbal;
4) Providing the structures and tools to develop language.
To learn much more about augmentative communication devices (speech generating devices) for people with autism, go to www.myarchway.org and click on the menu choice called Augmentative Communication.
There you will find a broad table of contents on this subject including:
Why does Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ACC) work so well for people with autism?
Is an augmentative communication device only appropriate for people who are non-verbal?
How do augmentative communication devices work?
What are the ranges of topics an AAC user can communicate about using an augmentative communication device?
Where can I learn about the many different types of AAC Devices?
If my child learns to use an Speech Generating Device (SGD), will they become overly dependant on the device to communicate and will they stop using the words and functional spontaneous communication they already have?
How much do these SGDs cost and will my private insurance cover the costs?
Where can I go to learn about and actually try out a variety of ACC devices?
Are there helpful websites about AAC strategies and topics?
Where can I receive advice, consultation and an AAC assessment on which particular SGD will best serve my child’s needs and where can I be trained on how to use a device?
Are there Speech and Language Pathologist jobs in Maryland where training is provided on AAC?
For those interested in finding community housing options for adults with autism as part of life planning, go to www.myarchway.ning.com and join ARCHway. You will be invited to participate in free webinars in the near future on developing community housing options for adults with autism.
To see our public service announcement that has been seen by nearly 15 million people to date, go to You Tube and search the term "autism housing" or go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtdo6Zh4ok4
Karen Kaye-Beall, director of ARCHway-FAST
Imagine Giving a Voice to Someone with Autism who can not Speak
Imagine Giving a Voice to Someone with Autism who can not Speak.
The Foundation for Autism Support and Training http://www.myarchway.org/ Opened Unique Augmentative Communication Center in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Many individuals diagnosed with autism are unable to verbally express feelings, thoughts and needs. Their struggle to communicate even the most basic needs through gestures, facial expressions and body language can be frustrating and frightening to these individuals and their families. The inability to communicate effectively often presents a barrier to learning and literacy and creates significant obstacles to social and emotional development and independence.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), also frequently called Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) or Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs), are devises that can provide a bridge from a life where thoughts, feelings and needs are held in silence, to a life where interaction, expression and learning are possible. “Augmentative communication devices and strategies help us understand that many people with autism have a broad range of feelings, interests, opinions and keen intellectual capacities,’’ says Karen Kaye-Beall, director of the Augmentative Communication Showroom and Demonstration Center in Silver Spring, Md., where people with autism and their families can try out a wide variety of speech generating devices. “At their deepest core, people with autism are loving people who want to have close relationships with others. They just find it extremely difficult and confusing to express the thoughts and feelings that are locked up inside.
Thus, developing and maintaining friendships is very challenging and people with autism can often feel lonely and isolated as a result of their disabilities. People often misunderstand this and believe that individuals with autism want to be alone. In many instances, that is simply not true.”
The basis of all communication is some type of language framework that must provide a vocabulary that is appropriate for the communicator’s age and the multiple settings in which the person needs to communicate, such as at home, school, job sites, and visits with friends and relatives. While adults normally have a speaking vocabulary of between 10,000 and 30,000 words, a “core” of just 100 words accounts for approximately 50 percent of words spoken. Examples of such words include: I, to, you, the, that, have, a, it, my, and, of, will, in, is, me, on, do, was. Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) are programmed to provide a functional and effective vocabulary for any individual with communication problems regardless of age or diagnosis.
There are no cognitive, behavioral or language prerequisites required for most augmentative communication interventions. Nearly anyone can benefit from augmentative communication tools and strategies.
SGDs are intended to enhance existing functional communication by:
1) Clarifying vocalizations, gestures, body language, etc.;
2) Expanding the language of limited speakers by increasing their vocabulary to include verbs, descriptors, exclamatory comments, etc.;
3) Providing speech for people who are nonverbal;
4) Providing the structures and tools to develop language.
With SGDs, a communicator just touches a labeled icon (which may be a Picture Communication Symbol or some similar graphics) on the display screen of the device, and the device will say out loud the word, phrase or sentence the individual intends to express. Users can set the “synthesized” (computer generated) voice to sound like a boy or girl, a man or woman. Also, users can record their own or someone else’s voice, which is referred to as a “digitized” voice recording.
Communicators should begin by communicating words and phrases that are most motivating and reinforcing then gradually add more and more words. Labeled icons (or buttons or cells) can be customized to each individual’s unique choices so that an SGD can be personalized and more closely express each individual’s wants and needs. For example, if a person touches the buttons for “I am hungry,” the page may automatically display a full array of food, drink and condiment choices, as well as a wide variety of restaurants in the community. “In this way, the individual is not taken to Taco Bell, when he really wants to eat at McDonald’s; he can choose mustard rather than ketchup,” says Kaye-Beall. “Little choices like these matter for a person with autism who, without AAC, has difficulty expressing even their simplest preferences. Imagine how frustrating it can be when you are so frequently misunderstood. Frustration and anger may build up, and those feelings will likely become expressed through a full range of inappropriate behaviors.” For SGD users with good typing skills, keyboards with voice output are also available.
Most high-tech devices have touch screen keyboards that allow a communicator to spell words, and most have “word prediction” features that, after a communicator types in two or three letters of a word, present several word choices. Some devices even remember the most frequently typed words and provide these words among the choices. Parents of children with autism despair that their child may be ill but unable to communicate their symptoms. With SGDs, children can learn to touch an icon to say, “I feel sick,” and the page will change to show body parts and asks the question, “Where do you feel sick?” The child will have the option to choose my stomach, my ear, my throat, etc. Sophisticated SGDs and practice will allow a communicator to express nearly anything they need or desire. The most sophisticated SGDs come already preprogrammed with 4,000-plus words and/or icons.
Here are several frequently asked questions by parents who are exploring Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies and Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) for their child, adolescent or adult with autism.
If my child learns to use an SGD, will he become overly dependant on the device to communicate, and will he stop using the words and functional spontaneous communication he already has?
AAC is used to enhance, not replace, existing functional language. AAC is intended to increase, maintain and improve a person’s ability to communicate by augmenting skills or providing additional support. In a leading book on AAC by Joanne Cafiero, PhD, Meaningful Exchanges for People with Autism, www.woodbinehouse.com, Dr. Cafiero reviews various studies and concludes the following: No research-based evidence exists that demonstrates that AAC interferes with speech development. In fact, research indicates that AAC actually facilitates speech by increasing communication skills and interactions and provides verbal models for speech. Since SGDs usually have visual symbols and/or icons paired with voice output, this combination increases communication in people with autism. Case study research, although limited, shows that the more visual and verbal input received by a person with ASAD, the more expressive language he or she will generate.
What do SGDs cost, and will my private insurance cover the cost?
Most SGDs are covered or partially covered by one or more funding sources. Leading SGD vendors provide staff who guide purchasers through various private insurance plan options and Medicaid requirements. Maryland maintains a low interest loan program for AAC through the MDAT Guaranteed Loan Program at 1-800-TECHTAP. The Foundation for Autism Support and Training (FAST) maintains an up-to-date price list of AAC devices and SGDs. Although FAST does not sell devices, it will refer you to vendors and coops who do sell these devices.
Where can I learn more about ACC devices, see a variety of models, and try them myself?
In the Spring of 2009, The Foundation for Autism Support and Training www.myarchway.org opened the AAC Showroom and Demonstration Center in Silver Spring, Md., the first of its kind in Montgomery County. At no charge and by appointment, any person with autism in Maryland, or any family member of a person with autism may set up an appointment to try out, learn about and play with a full range of leading Speech Generating Devices in a relaxed setting. Trained staff will be available to demonstrate devices, answer questions, and provide AAC information.
Where can I receive advice and consultation on which particular SGD will best serve my child’s needs, and where can I be trained to use a device?
In Maryland, most county school systems have departments of special education, and those departments have Assistive Technology (AT) Divisions. Call your school system’s AT Division to set up an AAC consultation. In Montgomery County, Maryland, call the Interdisciplinary Augmentative Communication and Technology Team at (301) 657-4929. or the Center for Autism Support and Training at 301-260-2777. Private services are also available through Kennedy Krieger Institute at 443-923-9200. http://www.kennedykrieger.org/kki_cp.jsp?pid=1471&bl=1
To learn more about speech generating devices go to: http://www.myarchway.org/ and click on the menu choice called Augmentative Communication.
To learn more about community living options and group homes for adults with autism, click on ARCHway on the same website.
The Foundation for Autism Support and Training http://www.myarchway.org/ Opened Unique Augmentative Communication Center in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Many individuals diagnosed with autism are unable to verbally express feelings, thoughts and needs. Their struggle to communicate even the most basic needs through gestures, facial expressions and body language can be frustrating and frightening to these individuals and their families. The inability to communicate effectively often presents a barrier to learning and literacy and creates significant obstacles to social and emotional development and independence.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), also frequently called Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) or Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs), are devises that can provide a bridge from a life where thoughts, feelings and needs are held in silence, to a life where interaction, expression and learning are possible. “Augmentative communication devices and strategies help us understand that many people with autism have a broad range of feelings, interests, opinions and keen intellectual capacities,’’ says Karen Kaye-Beall, director of the Augmentative Communication Showroom and Demonstration Center in Silver Spring, Md., where people with autism and their families can try out a wide variety of speech generating devices. “At their deepest core, people with autism are loving people who want to have close relationships with others. They just find it extremely difficult and confusing to express the thoughts and feelings that are locked up inside.
Thus, developing and maintaining friendships is very challenging and people with autism can often feel lonely and isolated as a result of their disabilities. People often misunderstand this and believe that individuals with autism want to be alone. In many instances, that is simply not true.”
The basis of all communication is some type of language framework that must provide a vocabulary that is appropriate for the communicator’s age and the multiple settings in which the person needs to communicate, such as at home, school, job sites, and visits with friends and relatives. While adults normally have a speaking vocabulary of between 10,000 and 30,000 words, a “core” of just 100 words accounts for approximately 50 percent of words spoken. Examples of such words include: I, to, you, the, that, have, a, it, my, and, of, will, in, is, me, on, do, was. Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) are programmed to provide a functional and effective vocabulary for any individual with communication problems regardless of age or diagnosis.
There are no cognitive, behavioral or language prerequisites required for most augmentative communication interventions. Nearly anyone can benefit from augmentative communication tools and strategies.
SGDs are intended to enhance existing functional communication by:
1) Clarifying vocalizations, gestures, body language, etc.;
2) Expanding the language of limited speakers by increasing their vocabulary to include verbs, descriptors, exclamatory comments, etc.;
3) Providing speech for people who are nonverbal;
4) Providing the structures and tools to develop language.
With SGDs, a communicator just touches a labeled icon (which may be a Picture Communication Symbol or some similar graphics) on the display screen of the device, and the device will say out loud the word, phrase or sentence the individual intends to express. Users can set the “synthesized” (computer generated) voice to sound like a boy or girl, a man or woman. Also, users can record their own or someone else’s voice, which is referred to as a “digitized” voice recording.
Communicators should begin by communicating words and phrases that are most motivating and reinforcing then gradually add more and more words. Labeled icons (or buttons or cells) can be customized to each individual’s unique choices so that an SGD can be personalized and more closely express each individual’s wants and needs. For example, if a person touches the buttons for “I am hungry,” the page may automatically display a full array of food, drink and condiment choices, as well as a wide variety of restaurants in the community. “In this way, the individual is not taken to Taco Bell, when he really wants to eat at McDonald’s; he can choose mustard rather than ketchup,” says Kaye-Beall. “Little choices like these matter for a person with autism who, without AAC, has difficulty expressing even their simplest preferences. Imagine how frustrating it can be when you are so frequently misunderstood. Frustration and anger may build up, and those feelings will likely become expressed through a full range of inappropriate behaviors.” For SGD users with good typing skills, keyboards with voice output are also available.
Most high-tech devices have touch screen keyboards that allow a communicator to spell words, and most have “word prediction” features that, after a communicator types in two or three letters of a word, present several word choices. Some devices even remember the most frequently typed words and provide these words among the choices. Parents of children with autism despair that their child may be ill but unable to communicate their symptoms. With SGDs, children can learn to touch an icon to say, “I feel sick,” and the page will change to show body parts and asks the question, “Where do you feel sick?” The child will have the option to choose my stomach, my ear, my throat, etc. Sophisticated SGDs and practice will allow a communicator to express nearly anything they need or desire. The most sophisticated SGDs come already preprogrammed with 4,000-plus words and/or icons.
Here are several frequently asked questions by parents who are exploring Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies and Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) for their child, adolescent or adult with autism.
If my child learns to use an SGD, will he become overly dependant on the device to communicate, and will he stop using the words and functional spontaneous communication he already has?
AAC is used to enhance, not replace, existing functional language. AAC is intended to increase, maintain and improve a person’s ability to communicate by augmenting skills or providing additional support. In a leading book on AAC by Joanne Cafiero, PhD, Meaningful Exchanges for People with Autism, www.woodbinehouse.com, Dr. Cafiero reviews various studies and concludes the following: No research-based evidence exists that demonstrates that AAC interferes with speech development. In fact, research indicates that AAC actually facilitates speech by increasing communication skills and interactions and provides verbal models for speech. Since SGDs usually have visual symbols and/or icons paired with voice output, this combination increases communication in people with autism. Case study research, although limited, shows that the more visual and verbal input received by a person with ASAD, the more expressive language he or she will generate.
What do SGDs cost, and will my private insurance cover the cost?
Most SGDs are covered or partially covered by one or more funding sources. Leading SGD vendors provide staff who guide purchasers through various private insurance plan options and Medicaid requirements. Maryland maintains a low interest loan program for AAC through the MDAT Guaranteed Loan Program at 1-800-TECHTAP. The Foundation for Autism Support and Training (FAST) maintains an up-to-date price list of AAC devices and SGDs. Although FAST does not sell devices, it will refer you to vendors and coops who do sell these devices.
Where can I learn more about ACC devices, see a variety of models, and try them myself?
In the Spring of 2009, The Foundation for Autism Support and Training www.myarchway.org opened the AAC Showroom and Demonstration Center in Silver Spring, Md., the first of its kind in Montgomery County. At no charge and by appointment, any person with autism in Maryland, or any family member of a person with autism may set up an appointment to try out, learn about and play with a full range of leading Speech Generating Devices in a relaxed setting. Trained staff will be available to demonstrate devices, answer questions, and provide AAC information.
Where can I receive advice and consultation on which particular SGD will best serve my child’s needs, and where can I be trained to use a device?
In Maryland, most county school systems have departments of special education, and those departments have Assistive Technology (AT) Divisions. Call your school system’s AT Division to set up an AAC consultation. In Montgomery County, Maryland, call the Interdisciplinary Augmentative Communication and Technology Team at (301) 657-4929. or the Center for Autism Support and Training at 301-260-2777. Private services are also available through Kennedy Krieger Institute at 443-923-9200. http://www.kennedykrieger.org/kki_cp.jsp?pid=1471&bl=1
To learn more about speech generating devices go to: http://www.myarchway.org/ and click on the menu choice called Augmentative Communication.
To learn more about community living options and group homes for adults with autism, click on ARCHway on the same website.
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