Carolyn Jenkins-Haigler

Augmentative and Alternative

Communication Systems

Alternative –Instead of speech Augmentative-as well as speech Low tech –Pictures, signs etc Hi Tech –A range of electronic aids Choice will depend on the individual’s level of

both physical and mental ability, and on the environment they are in.

Alternative and Augmentative Communication Systems

Do Symbols make any difference?

Do Symbols make any difference?

• Those with limited physical control –• For example –Cerebral palsy, paralyisis,

hemiplegia, facial anomalies• Hearing Impairment• Specific Language Disorders• Learning Disabilities –e.g: Downs

Syndrome, Severe developmental delay etc

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Who will use these systems?

• Makaton• Signalong• British Sign Language (BSL)• Paget Gorman• Amerind• Langue des signes Quebecoise• Gestuno (World Federation of the Deaf)

Signing Systems

Used with people with Learning Disabilities

who cannot access other systems ‘Real’ Objects used initially Used to let them know what will happen And for them to communicate with us May be a step towards a more symbolic

system

Objects of Reference

Large photos of actual objects Smaller actual photos Coloured pictures Black and white pictures Symbols (Makaton, Signalong, Mayer-

Johnstone, Boardmaker, Widget) Written words with pictures

Visual Pictorial Systems

Makaton Symbols These are produced

by the same body as the sign system and consist of a set of black and white line drawings.

WIGIT software can be used

Mayer Johnson Symbols These consist of a

set of black and white line drawings. They are more pictorial than makaton.

They were developed in the 1980’s in the USA

03/05/23

• To let the child know:-• What they have to do• How long to do it for• When will it be finished• How will they know it’s finished• What will happen next• To reduce anxiety and enable

independence

Visual Timetables

For children at a pre-intentional and pre-verbal

level of communication Teaches Cause and Effect Means you have to make contact Starts at a one word level Uses motivating items Can build up to phrases if appropriate

Picture Exchange Communication System

(PECS)

For a range of abilities Create messages for individual needs Mostly portable Enable the child to develop communication

skills Enable child to communicate independently Cardiff Research Project

Hi Tech Communication Aids