Research
critiques (pro and con) and future perspectives associated with your topic of
study. What are the down sides to your particular topic?
Alternative augmentative communication
devices are defined as being, “all forms of communication (other than speech)
that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas.” (American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association, n.d.). There are many different types of AAC systems. For
example AAC systems can include unaided communication systems such as sign
language as well as aided communication systems such as simple paper and pencil
and more complex systems of “communication books or boards to devices that
produce voice output” (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, n.d.).
Article ReviewAnother example of an aided communication system is the MINISPEAK. (Mathisen, Kelly, Kidd, & Nissen, 2009, p. 379).
AAC systems are amazing in that they
provide ways for those with complex communication needs (CCN) to be able to communicate
with the world around them and improves their quality of life. It is
challenging however that most of these AAC systems are expensive and can
require extensive training that makes them less accessible to those that need
them (Mathisen, Kelly, Kidd, & Nissen, 2009, p. 376).
What
does the research say about its effectiveness?
In one case study using MINISPEAK
researchers found that the participant, “demonstrated increased assertiveness
with the beginning of conversational repair strategies, her communicative forms
developed from one word responses up to five word responses, and she demonstrated
less frustrations with communication breakdown” (Mathisen, Kelly, Kidd,
& Nissen, 2009, p. 379). Even though the results looked very promising for this
one particular case study the researchers point out that, “the system has
received little scientific investigation in terms of its efficacy” and also
emphasize that further research is needed (Mathisen, Kelly, Kidd, & Nissen,
2009, p. 378).
What
does the future hold?
The future for this type of instructional
technology is uncertain. The same issues of the technology being too complicated
and too expensive continue to make it less accessible to the greater population
that desperately needs it. Without this technology being more readily available
to a larger population further research will continue to be difficult to
conduct. Another factor to consider is that the successful use and implementation
of this type of technology also depends heavily on each individual child which
also makes the study of the effectiveness of such technologies difficult.
What
new advances do the experts predict for your professional area?
As technology advances AAC systems continue
to become more, “portable and durable” (MDA, 2015). Excitingly Brain-Computer
Interface (BCI) is a new development in the AAC world that would make input methods
such as keyboards and switches obsolete. One company, Thought-Wired, is in the
process of developing a BCI system called NOUS, “a solution that enables an
entirely physical free access method for communication and other applications” that
is neuro-transmitted through messages from the brain (Coyne, 2014, p. 58).
What
implications do these hold for you as a professional?
As a professional the advances and development
of AAC systems will require that I make sure that I am current with the latest
advances and research related to AAC systems. I know that there is no one system
that meets all the needs of those with complex communication needs. And the
consideration of any AAC system requires that we look at the specific needs of
each individual and personal preferences when it comes to determining the best
AAC system.
How
will you use this information to be a better informed professional?
I will continue to make sure that
I am a well-informed professional by making connections with local universities
and organizations that focus on my areas of interest. By doing so I will
hopefully stay abreast of the latest AAC developments and advances. Attending
seminars and trainings will also assist me in my pursuit of continuous professional
development.
Questions
Can you think of any other type of technology that could
assist those with complex communication needs?
Do you know of any other developments in the alternative
augmentative communication field?
References
American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Augmentative and Alternative
Communication (AAC). Retrieved May 1, 2015, from
http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/AAC/
Coyne, D. (2014). Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Guidelines for speech pathologists who support people with a disability. Retrieved from http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0011/302402/Augmentative-and-Alternative-Communication-Practice-Guide.pdf
Mathisen, B., Arthur-Kelly, M., Kidd, J., & Nissen, C. (2009). Using MINSPEAK: a case study of a preschool child with complex communication needs. Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 4(5), 376-383. doi:10.1080/17483100902807112
MDA. (2015). Chapter 6: Speech and Communication | Everyday Life with ALS: A Practical Guide | MDA. Retrieved May 1, 2015, from http://www.mda.org/publications/everyday-life-als/chapter-6
Semantic Compaction Systems. (2009). Minspeak Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) Device, Core Vocabulary, Autism & Augmentative Speech Generating System. Retrieved May 1, 2015, from http://www.minspeak.com/
