AAC and Smartbox assistive technology

AAC

– ITS MANY FORMS AND THEIR VALUE FOR CONNECTING WITH THE WORLD AROUND US

BECKY MARTIN IS CLINICAL ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIST AND SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPIST, AT SMARTBOX ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY. BECKY SHARES AN INTRODUCTION TO ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND ACC.

AAC (Augmentative and

Alternative Communication) and assistive technology can enable children and adults to connect with the world around them and their loved ones, in so many ways!

Communication to one person may look very different to another regardless of ability, age, or life situation. But fundamentally, it matters to everyone which means everyone should have access to

methods of communication. They should understand and share all their reasons for communicating and be able to do this whenever those opportunities arise for them.

Every single person should have the chance to become the best version of themselves and once again, this comes back to that underpinning fundamental skill, communication.

Here at Smartbox, we are

passionate about creating and providing technology with an AAC focus. We know how important it is to value and nurture every way that someone shares information. It is essential that AAC has many forms. In fact, without even realising we all use multiple forms of alternative communication every day when we send an email or text message, for example.

Assistive technology enables

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people to begin a journey of possibility, with many twists and turns. This is best supported and navigated when an individual has access to effective communication. Like any journey, accessing, understanding and interacting with assistive technology can often take time. It may even feel like there are multiple barriers which can limit engagement with the technology. It may simply be, however, that the person needs time to adjust and get familiar with it.

Support to feel inspired about the possibilities that come with AAC can also make a big difference. We recognise that whilst it is an exciting prospect, getting started with assistive technology can often feel overwhelming when the kit arrives and the dust settles!

At Smartbox we recognise it can be difficult to navigate through the vast and ever-growing world of AAC, and so we have a range of vocabulary options with a robust focus in mind. This means all AAC users are given the opportunity to be exposed to core vocabulary, topic language and a variety of keyboards, at a level that supports their skills and drive.

called Voco Chat on her Talk Pad communication device she suddenly has a visual storehouse of language to refer to, take inspiration from, and simply explore. This is all part of learning a language. The vocabulary offers opportunities to build and improve how she communicates throughout daily situations. As conversation partners, the support staff around her instantly have a visual reference they can also use to help support Sarah’s understanding of spoken and auditory language.

A person’s comprehension skills are a huge factor in communication. Anchoring unfamiliar words, abstract concepts and new terms in real life with support from symbolised vocabulary gives Sarah an enriched way to learn about language. In time, this will help her use these terms spontaneously for herself.

Using Voco Chat, Sarah’s support staff are also able to model language instantly at any given moment which has the benefit of reinforcing new and less familiar concepts, for example, to real life scenarios. This is often the way people attach meaning to vocabulary as they start to use it themselves.

Voco Chat is a pragmatic approach

to learning and building language with a low cell count per screen. For someone using alternative ways to access their device (e.g. switch scanning) this instantly speeds up sharing information with a conversation partner. The pragmatic approach to language also means pre-loaded powerful phrases, questions and statements are just a click away for those many occasions where conversations are fast-paced and topic shifting.

KEVIN * – A SUPER CORE USER

Kevin * is an adult AAC user who is able to extend his communication using the symbol vocabulary Super Core on a Touch Pad communication device.

Kevin's AAC journey started at an earlier stage in his life. Through Super Core he can explore and play with new language, formulate his own messages, and pre-programme quick statements and personalise phrases.

Kevin is now able to go beyond his previous methods of communication

SARAH * – A VOCO CHAT USER

Sarah * is an adult AAC user who seeks interaction, and wants to connect and experience two-way engagement with those around her. Her ability to spontaneously generate what she really means, however, is influenced by her autism and learning disabilities.

Using a symbol vocabulary

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and share more of what matters to him, from specific sandwich fillings or what he wants to drink at a coffee shop, to asking for assistance with various situations in his flat. Previously he would have relied on staff guessing his wants and needs.

Super Core was created by Smartbox Speech and Language Therapist, Daisy. After extensive research and careful consideration, she developed a robust vocabulary system (core and topic with a keyboard function).

Super Core is an ideal vocabulary for anyone learning to form their own messages from scratch – whether that’s through single words, connected sentences, questions or phrases. After all, we don’t always have to answer in full sentences, and can all be faced with times where we respond in brief terms!

Smartbox is proud to be supporting those who benefit from specialist equipment and content. We are continually developing our

services and technology to help people find ways to communicate, connect with the world and live more independently.

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The names of AAC users have been changed for the purpose of this article.

For further information email becky.martin@thinksmartbox.com or visit www.thinksmartbox.com

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