Speech-Generating Devices Access for All

Here at AbleNet, we believe everyone should have access to robust communication. According to ASHA’s Misson, the goal of speech-language pathologists is to “make effective communication, a human right, accessible and achievable for all.”

We share in that mission to help all people find their voice and provide best outcomes for them- no matter the age or diagnosis. Let’s dive into what research has found on the impact of AAC on individuals with different diagnoses and unique needs!

Developmental Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Research indicates that AAC interventions, including SGDs, do not hinder speech production. Instead, many studies have shown an increase in speech output among individuals with ASD who use SGDs (Schlosser & Wendt, 2008).
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Cerebral Palsy

Hustad and Miles (2010) found that both speaking and non-speaking children with CP benefit significantly from SGDs as part of their education plan.
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Down Syndrome

Barbosa, Renata Thaís de Almeida et al. (2018) found that SGDs can improve communication, cognitive skills, and social interaction for individuals with Down Syndrome, showing the benefits of SGDs in helping these individual's be understood and further develop their speech and language.
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Articulation Disorders

Childhood Apraxia of Speech

Research demonstrates that SGDs can significantly improve communicative and linguistic competencies in children with severe CAS, facilitating language development and academic achievement (Lüke, 2016).
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Phonological Disorders

SGDs can serve as an augmentative tool for individuals with phonological disorders, helping to support their communication as needed when communication breakdowns occur. Conversational repair and quickly augmenting speech with a word or phrase should be the focus on the device for this population (Lawrence, 2017).
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Neurological Disorders

ALS

Fried-Oken, Mooney, & Peters, (2015) found in a review that "AAC should be standard practice for adults with neurodegenerative disease," especially since the majority of people [with ALS] will lose their ability to speak (Ball, Beukelman, Ullman, Maassen, & Pattee, 2005)
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Dementia

AAC interventions can "increase the quality of life and decrease the stress of family and professional caregivers of individuals with dementia" (Bourgeois & Hickey, 2007).
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Aphasia

Effective communication support is essential in the rehabilitation process and can reduce risks associated with poor medication adherence and other serious medical events (Cohen et al., 2005; Andrulis et al., 2002; Flores et al., 2003).
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Check out our Blog

Why Speech-Generating Devices Should Be Accessible to All: A Comprehensive Guide for Speech-Language Pathologists

Resources To Learn More

ASHA CE Approved Provider.

AbleU Professional Development

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SLP Resources

Mother and daughter enjoying puzzle playtime at home together.

Parent Resources

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All Resources

Ready to discuss high-tech AAC options for your caseload?

Schedule a meeting with one of our expert SLPs to dive deeper into the research and find out how we can help.

Together, we can empower each individual to reach their full potential.