Augmentative and Alternative Communication

4. Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Augmentative and Alternative Communication . . .

Included in this sections are listings of resources, ideas, tools, including suppliers, Canadian distributors. . . . that are being used by service providers to enhance communication of persons with severe to moderate developmental disabilities. This listing is in no way complete, but may serve as a starting point or enhance current programs.
Wherever possible the services of professionals i.e. Speech-Language Pathologist and/or Occupational Therapist should be accessed; these professionals facilitate the use/development of the appropriate resources, tools and/or programs; however the provision of less structured, less formal programs with the objective of enhancing speech may occur as well. In the book "Making Connections by Peggy Locke Ph.D. and Jackie Levin M.A., (distributed by AbleNet) they suggest that "the best way to learn how to communicate is by communicating". The resources listed, in this section, will hopefully enable the development of the less formal type programs to encourage, enhance, create opportunities for . . . . communication, while recognizing the individual needs of the person. For a more extensive listing of alternatives, and there are many, check out Closing the Gap.

Program Ideas provides suggestions, definitions, practical applications and uses of the resources, other suggestions to encourage communication, . . . .

Software and other program resources includes printed materials, communication programs, software . . . .

Hardware - Recommended Devices & Equipment includes information on switches, touchscreens, keyboards, mouse alternatives . . .

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