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

3/12/20 Alternative Access for AAC 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 Carrie Luse, MSR, OT/L, ATP 3/20/20 Wh What is AAC Access? HUMAN INTERFACE TECHNOLOGY (BODY) ‘Access’ How someone interacts with & uses a communication system Fo For Successful Communication… Bo Body Readiness - Se Sensor sory Remove Barriers to: ◦ Motor ◦ Auditory ◦ Visual ◦ Other sensory/regulation ‘Make access as easy as possible’ 1

3/12/20 Bo Body Readiness - Po Positioning Se Seated Posi osition on Af Affects s Perfor orman ance Po Position affects Visual Convergence Bo Body R Readiness ss – St Standing! g! 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! 2

3/12/20 Co Components of Co Communication The Therefore… • Least dangerous assumption → Assume the potential to learn VISION & understand, but body is not cooperating. social AUDITORY • Watch eyes, subtle body movements, for signs of intent. Every moves counts! Communication cognition/ • Dyspraxia tips handout (adapted from L.Burkhart) MOTOR thoughts SELF- REGULATION Ac Access ss Fo For Successful Communication… • Play-based ( ↓ cognitive load) • Easy, Automatic Comm Access • Visual, Motor, & Auditory skills • Can take time/practice for accuracy to be good enough not to cause frustration Practice Access & Communication separately, then together sometimes. But do not combine GOALS! Ac Access ss Method ods s Di Direc ect “Alter erna native” e” Direct • Eye gaze • Hand • Eyes • Head mouse • Mouse (hand or head) • Joystick (hybrid) • Joystick (hybrid) • Modifications: key-guards, slantboard • Speech Recognition Indirect • Scanning (switches) • Morse Code 3

3/12/20 Ey Eye Gaze He Head Mo Mouse – fu fun acce ccess pract ctice ce *now on iPad! *now on iPad! Jo Joystic ticks Ke Keyguards Sl Slan antboar oards & & Ang ngles es Other Accessories CASES, STRAPS, MOUNTS, STANDS… 20° 45° 4