3/12/20 Alternative Access for AAC Objectives 1. Gain a basic - - PDF document

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Alternative Access for AAC

Carrie Luse, MSR, OT/L, ATP

3/20/20

Objectives

• 1. Gain a basic understanding of the Human Technology Interface (HTI)
• 2. Understand what is meant by Visual Motor Access to AAC
• 3. Identify at least one Alternative Access method for AAC
• 4. Understand the reason for learning Alternative Access in the

context of play/errorless activities

Wh What is AAC Access?

How someone interacts with & uses a communication system

HUMAN (BODY) INTERFACE TECHNOLOGY

‘Access’

Fo For Successful Communication…

Remove Barriers to:

• Motor
• Auditory
• Visual
• Other sensory/regulation

‘Make access as easy as possible’

Bo Body Readiness - Se Sensor sory

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Bo Body Readiness - Po Positioning Se Seated Posi

• sition
• n Af

Affects s Perfor

• rman

ance

Bo Body R Readiness ss – St Standing! g!

Po Position affects Visual Convergence Co Consider Visual Field & Layout Se Severe Dysp spraxia a

• Often a hidden motor impairment in autism, Rett, CP, TBI, CVA.
• Dyspraxia = the inability to carry out a cognitive intent. It is difficulty

with motor planning, but does not reflect cognitive ability.

• Do not assume that someone does not understand an activity just

because their body does not always cooperate. Intention can be masked by motor planning challenges!

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The Therefore…

• Least dangerous assumption → Assume the potential to learn

& understand, but body is not cooperating.

• Watch eyes, subtle body movements,

for signs of intent. Every moves counts!

• Dyspraxia tips handout (adapted from L.Burkhart)

Co Components of Co Communication

Communication

VISION AUDITORY MOTOR SELF- REGULATION cognition/ thoughts social

Fo For Successful Communication…

Comm Access

Practice Access & Communication separately, then together sometimes. But do not combine GOALS!

Ac Access ss

• Play-based (↓ cognitive load)
• Easy, Automatic
• Visual, Motor, & Auditory skills
• Can take time/practice for

accuracy to be good enough not to cause frustration

Ac Access ss Method

• ds

s

Direct

• Hand
• Eyes
• Mouse (hand or head)
• Joystick (hybrid)
• Speech Recognition

Indirect

• Scanning (switches)
• Morse Code

Di Direc ect “Alter erna native” e”

• Eye gaze
• Head mouse
• Joystick (hybrid)
• Modifications: key-guards, slantboard

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Ey Eye Gaze He Head Mo Mouse – fu fun acce ccess pract ctice ce

*now on iPad!

Jo Joystic ticks

*now on iPad!

Ke Keyguards Sl Slan antboar

• ards &

& Ang ngles es

45° 20°

Other Accessories

CASES, STRAPS, MOUNTS, STANDS…