icommunicate Guide Adult Information Assistive Communication
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Assistive technology, Assistive Communication, or Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) are generic terms that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices with a focus on facilitating communication. Modern new electronic machines (hi-tech) have become the way for many individuals to communicate, with advances in computer technology, new hi-tech devices are becoming smaller and cleverer. Through the use of scanning and switching many individuals are now getting access to tools that allow them to communicate and adapt their environment. Many machines now include environmental controls, so as well as being able to type or produce a spoken message, an individual can turn on the lights or change the volume on TV. General day to day technology has inadvertently had secondary positive effects for certain people with communication difficulties. For instance, text messaging on mobile phones was not developed to help hearing impaired people but has provided them with a quick and easy way of communicating.
Access In the past access to communication options has often been a barrier, however, technology is now finding ways to give almost everyone access to some form of communication option. Machines can now be mounted on the users wheelchair and accessed via switches or eye scanning. Switches are available in many forms to allow for different means of access. Switches can be pressed, knocked, and blown to activate, and some can now be activated by small movements such as eye blink.The latest technology for facilitating access to technology is eye scanning, with eye movment controlling the actions of computer software. Trialling and Finding the "best fit" When looking at assistive communication devices, it is crucial that you do a thorough trial of several different options to really find the “best fit”. The higher tech, most expensive option is not always the best. You have to take account of many variables including portability, functionality and speed of use. All too often, individuals and their team are attracted to hi-tech options. A suitably qualified speech and language therapist / pathologist can help you trial the appropriate equipment to see which options works best.The use of assistive communication devices, both hi-tech and lo-tech, are very much part the icommunicate philosophy. This website is all about communication and a total communication environment. This means we focus on every modality that can be used to facilitate communication. At icommunicate we plan to have a heavy focus on assistive communication and technology. See the Total Communication folder of our online Download Centre for more resources relating to assistive communication devices. Visit our online Resource Centre for information, resources, and books relating to assistive communication. |
