Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices play an important role in empowering individuals with communication disorders to express themselves effectively. Choosing the right AAC device is essential to optimize usability and enhance communication capabilities.
In this guide, we’ll explore key considerations to help speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and caregivers choose the most suitable high-tech device for their clients or loved ones.
AAC Devices and Their Importance
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to the methods and tools used to supplement or replace speech for individuals with communication disorders. AAC devices range from simple picture boards to dynamic, high-tech speech-generating devices that produce speech output. These devices are vital for individuals who have limited or no speaking abilities due to speech or language disorders.
Choosing an appropriate high-tech AAC device is more than a matter of preference; it’s about ensuring the device meets the user’s specific needs to facilitate effective communication.
5 Key Considerations in Selecting the Right High-Tech AAC Device
Selecting the right AAC device involves evaluating several factors that affect usability and convenience. Below are key considerations to guide the decision-making process.
1) User’s Age and Growth
As children grow, their communication needs and physical capabilities change. It’s crucial to select an AAC device that can adapt to these changing needs over time, ensuring long-term usability. The goal is always to provide access to as much vocabulary as possible, but for younger children, a smaller device may be more manageable and less overwhelming, allowing them to develop their communication skills at a comfortable pace. Conversely, as they mature and become more adept at using their device, transitioning to a larger device may offer additional functionalities and vocabulary options to support their expanding linguistic abilities and social interactions. The user’s physical strength and dexterity also influence the suitability of a device’s size and weight.
- Device Scalability: Choose a device that can adapt to the user’s developmental changes.
- Durability: Younger users may require devices that can withstand drops and rough handling. As they mature, they might benefit from devices with more advanced features. Likewise, younger children may find smaller, lighter devices easier to hold and operate.
- Adaptability: Anticipate the user’s evolving communication skills. Select a device that can accommodate more complex communication over time.
2) User’s Communication Disorder
When selecting an AAC device, it is essential to consider the specific speech or language disorder of the user. Different speech abilities may require tailored device features to maximize communication effectiveness. For instance, users with articulation disorders might benefit from devices with clear, high-quality audio output to ensure their message is understood. Additionally, devices that offer voice banking can help capture the user’s unique speech characteristics, providing a more personalized communication experience for those who may lose their ability to speak. The integration of advanced speech synthesis technologies that support nuanced vocal expressions can aid in conveying emotions and inflections, making interactions more natural.
- High-Quality Audio Output: AAC devices with superior sound quality can aid in clear message delivery, especially for users with articulation or phonation challenges.
- Voice Banking Capabilities: Select devices offering voice banking to allow users to personalize the device with their natural voice, enhancing familiarity and emotional connection.
- Advanced Speech Synthesis: Devices that incorporate varied vocal tones and expressions can help users communicate emotion and context more effectively, facilitating richer interaction.
- Language System: Consider the language processing style of the user. Gestalt processors may benefit from a system that has phrases or the ability to add phrases as well as media/ audio. Core and Fringe Vocabulary is needed for all language processing styles
3) User’s Mobility Needs
The portability of an AAC device is essential, especially for users who are frequently on the move. Factor in the settings where the device will be used—home, school, community—to ensure it meets the users diverse needs.
Lightweight and compact designs can significantly ease mobility, allowing users to carry the device effortlessly throughout daily activities. Additionally, features such as carrying straps or protective casings can provide enhanced convenience and durability, ensuring that the device is both easy to transport and resilient to potential wear and tear. Selecting a device that seamlessly integrates into a user’s active lifestyle is crucial for maintaining consistent communication access, no matter where they are.
- Weight and Size: A lighter, more compact device is easier to carry and handle, promoting consistent use across different environments. Integrating AAC devices with mobility supports is vital for users with significant motor challenges.
- Mounting Options: Consider devices that offer versatile mounting solutions for wheelchairs, desks, or stands.
- Battery Life: A device with a long battery life supports communication throughout the day without frequent charging interruptions.
4) Device Grid Size and Visibility
The grid size on an AAC device refers to the number of icons or buttons displayed on the screen at one time. A larger grid offers more vocabulary options but makes icons and text smaller, which can reduce visibility. It’s often effective to start with a larger grid size and hide any icons that aren’t needed right away. This allows for a gradual increase in complexity as the child becomes more comfortable with the device.
For users with visual impairments, device size and display also play a significant role. It’s crucial to opt for devices with customizable display settings, such as adjustable contrast and magnification options, to enhance readability and icon recognition.
- Visual Clarity: Devices with larger screens can display bigger icons and text, improving readability. Users may struggle to see and select icons if they are too small. Adjusting to a smaller grid can enhance visual clarity by enlarging individual icons and text.
- Adjustability: Larger icons are easier to tap or select, benefiting users with fine motor challenges. The ability to adjust icon size, spacing, and screen brightness can tailor the device to the user’s visual needs. Likewise, customizable color schemes or high-contrast settings can enhance visibility.
- Access Method: If direct selection is not an option for your user due to physical limitations, consider adding a switch or using other alternative access methods.
- Vocabulary Needs: Consider the user’s language development level. A larger grid might be appropriate for users who can navigate complex vocabulary, while a smaller grid may be better for those starting with basic communication. If possible, provide a larger grid and hid icons for those who have more basic communication.
5) Device App Selection Options
Choose a device with a range of speech apps available so you can select an app that best suit the user’s language level and communication goals.The symbols and vocabulary available through different apps on an AAC device are integral to effective communication. It’s important to select the right app to reflect the user’s daily life and communication goals, allowing for more meaningful interactions. With the right app selection, the AAC device can support a user’s ability to express their thoughts, preferences, and emotions efficiently in various contexts, from simple requests to more complex conversations. Additionally, regularly updating and expanding the vocabulary can help the user keep pace with evolving linguistic and social demands.
- Age-Appropriate Apps: Ensure that the device includes a wide variety of app options that align with the user’s cognitive and language development. Younger users may benefit from simple, high-frequency words, while older users can utilize more complex and specialized vocabulary.
- Personalization: Look for devices that allow incorporation of symbols and words that are personally relevant to the user’s daily life and interests. This increases engagement and makes communication more meaningful.
- Expandable Vocabulary: Choose a device that allows for easy app changes to accommodate the expansion of vocabulary if needed as the user’s communication needs grow and change.
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AbleNet is Ready to Support Your AAC User
AbleNet is dedicated to empowering individuals with communication disorders by providing innovative communication aids. Their product, the QuickTalker Freestyle™, is a high-tech speech device designed to be adaptable and support any speech app available on the Apple App Store. AbleNet works closely with SLPs and families to customize each device, ensuring it aligns with the user’s unique needs.
AbleNet’s QuickTalker Freestyle stands out as a customizable high-tech AAC device designed to meet the diverse communication needs of users with communication disorders. This device offers flexible features, including 2 different display size options and a variety of attachments and accessories to compliment the user’s needs and lifestyle.
The QuickTalker Freestyle is lightweight and portable, making it perfect for users with active lifestyles. Additionally, its robust app selection allows for the incorporation of age-appropriate vocabulary, ensuring that the device grows with the user’s evolving communication requirements. With AbleNet’s commitment to customization and support, the QuickTalker Freestyle adapts seamlessly to each user’s unique needs, providing an effective tool for enhancing communication abilities. The QuickTalker Freestyle also comes with a five-year warranty that includes unlimited repairs, ensuring long-term reliability.
Let’s take a closer look at the role the ableCARE device support team plays in success with this high-tech AAC device.
The Role of the ableCARE Product Success Team
The ableCARE Product Success Team works closely with SLPs, caregivers, and families to provide comprehensive support, including:
- Device Size Selection: Consultation for selecting a device size that aligns with the user’s physical abilities, ensuring ease of handling and accessibility for effective communication.
- Device Setup Assistance: Helping with initial configuration to match the user’s requirements.
- App Guidance: Offering expertise on selecting and using speech apps effectively.
- Training: Providing resources and training for SLP’s, caregivers and users and support teams to maximize the device’s potential.
- On-demand Support: During the 5-year warranty period the ableCARE team offers on-demand support, including speech app or device size changes to prevent any obstacles that could prevent progression on the communication journey. The ableCARE Product Success Team doesn’t stop there. They provide continuous assistance for any questions or issues that arise during the warranty period.
Empower the Communication Journey with the Right High-Tech AAC Device
Choosing the right AAC device is a critical step in supporting effective communication for individuals with communication disorders. By carefully assessing these factors, SLPs and caregivers can select a device that meets the user’s current needs and adapts to future changes.
AbleNet is committed to supporting users throughout their communication journey. Their services are designed to ensure each AAC device is tailored to the individual’s needs, therefore enhancing their ability to communicate and engage with the world around them.
Empower someone with an effective AAC device today! Reach out to AbleNet for expert guidance and support to transform your AAC user’s communication journey today.
