AAC Devices
AAC Background
What are ACC Devices?
What are ACC Devices?
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices have emerged as an effective means of improving communication for individuals with ASD and other disabilities (Jones et al., 2018).
- AAC devices come in various forms, from simple tools like picture boards and sign language to more advanced speech-generating software (Pak, S. S, Bailey, Ledford, & Kaiser, 2022). Research has extensively studied the effectiveness of AAC devices over the years.
- Studies have shown that these devices significantly improve communication for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and acquired brain injury.
- AAC devices can also significantly impact the overall quality of life of individuals who use them, helping them engage in activities, build relationships, and improve their well-being (Jones et al., 2018).
- AAC speech-generating devices (SGDs) only allow limited interaction for individuals with severe communication abilities.
- Despite the numerous benefits of AAC SGDs, some individuals find these devices challenging to access and use effectively. These challenges include limited availability, high costs, slow use of speech-generating devices for individuals with limited mobility or understanding, and inadequate training for users and caregivers.
- Consequently, ongoing research is required to address these obstacles and enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of AAC SGDs. By doing so, individuals with ASD, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities can have a better quality of life and engage more successfully with the world around them.
What are ACC Devices?
What are ACC Devices?
What are ACC Devices?
- Using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can help supplement or compensate for impairments in speech-language production and comprehension (VCU Autism Center, n.d.).
- AAC is part of a broader umbrella of assistive technology, which refers to any equipment or strategy that enhances functional daily living for individuals with disabilities or limitations (Elsahar et al., 2019).
- Various tools and techniques are used in AAC, including visual boards, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), sign language, gestures, low-technology interventions, and high-technology electronic devices (Pak, N. S., Bailey, Ledford, & Kaiser, 2022).
- In the figure above to the left, an individual demonstrates utilizing an AAC SGD to communicate by pressing one letter at a time with their mouth to create a sentence or word for the device to speak for them.
- Individuals with limited mobility may also use head or eye movements to locate letters, and the SPGs will then speak what the person has typed.
- This speech-generating device can be very time-consuming and challenging for some individuals with limited mobility.
- According to a study by Moses et al. (2021), "Anarthria [total inability to articulate speech] hinders communication with family, friends, and caregivers, thereby reducing the patient-reported quality of life.
- Advances have been made with typing-based brain-computer interfaces that allow speech-impaired persons to spell out messages by controlling a computer cursor. However, letter-by-letter selection through interfaces driven by neural signal recordings is slow and effortful" (p. 616).
- Additionally, some individuals need help to understand what they are typing due to lettSPG,brain-computer, lack of brain-computer recognition understanding, or word comprehension.
- An alternative to typing out messages by letter is to use picture symbols for communication.
- The above picture on this page shows an individual using pictures to convey messages; however, this method may also prove tedious and restrictive. Finding the appropriate pictures can take multiple minutes, and it can be challenging for the individual to find the right picture for what they are trying to communicate. Often, the individual becomes so frustrated with communication that they decide not to use the devices.
AI and AAC
What are ACC Devices?
AI and AAC
- While AAC speech-generating devices (SGDs) like the ones depicted are currently the leading devices used for ASD, cerebral palsy, and other limited verbal individuals, there is potential for advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) technology.
- AI and AR can make these devices more intuitive and allow these individuals to communicate more fluently.
- AR, AI, and virtual reality (VR) technologies are already being explored in healthcare, education, and entertainment.
- Currently SGDs are being researched for their potential to assist individuals with ASD and other communication impairments.
- These technologies also offer a unique and immersive experience that can help individuals with communication impairments practice social interaction and communication skills in a safe and controlled environment, but they are limited.
Feasibility
Technological advancements have opened up new opportunities to create better devices for limited verbal individuals, such as those with cerebral palsy or Autism Spectrum Disorder.