Supporting Self-Determination in AAC Interventions by Assessing Preference for Communication Devices
By Sigafoos, Jeff; O'Reilly, Mark; Ganz, Jennifer B.; Lancioni, Giulio E.; Schlosser, Ralf W.; Technology and Disability, Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 143-153Publication Date: 2005
Paper discusses a methodology for enabling students to indicate a specific preference for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, which is outlined in two demonstrations. The approach allows for the selection of AAC based on an analysis of student characteristics and environmental factors. The authors also propose a trial period for each new intervention to determine its overall feasibility. The first demonstration saw two children with developmental disabilities request snacks using each of three voice output communication devices: (1) the BIGmack Switch from AbleNet, Incorporated, (2) Tech/Talk 6X8 from Advanced Multimedia Devices, Incorporated, and (3) Mini-MessageMate from Words+. All three devices were made available to the students, as they were allowed to select one to use in the study. Each student demonstrated a preference for one of the devices, as the first student preferred the Mini-MessageMate, while the second selected the Tech/Talk 6X8. The next phase saw the same two students with a choice between their preferred device and a Communication Board from Mayer-Johnson. Both students indicated a preference for the AAC device over the communication board. The authors contend that the cases demonstrate the use of a methodology that could enable students with developmental and communication disabilities to participate in the AAC device selection process.
Assistive Products Discussed: COMMUNICATION BOARD
TECH/TALK (MODELS TT6X8, TT8X8, & TT12X8)
BIGMACK COMMUNICATOR
Published by: IOS Press (Website:http://www.iospress.nl)
Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE) (Web Site: http://www.aaate.net )
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J49879
