Question:

There were two questions related to augmentative communication assessment this month:

Question 1

I work with a 13-year-old girl with very limited speech. She is being evaluated by our Orthopedically Handicapped program for an Assistive Technology Device. She has successfully used a DigiVox2 in the past. I'd like her to use a device where she can generate her own language instead of just what we, the staff, program for her. What devices are there out there that we could look into for her?

Question 2

What type of communication evaluation would be appropriate for 16-year-old non-communicative student and by what type of specialist?

Answer:

For those who don't know, a DigiVox2 is an augmentative communication device, formerly made by DynaVox Systems. The DigiVox2 uses digitized i.e., recorded speech, with eight levels and changeable overlays. It can be used by people who can touch the membrane pad to select a message cell or use a switch to select from an auditory or visual scanning of options. However, as the questioner states, DigiVox2 does not meet this girl's need to be able to generate her own, unique messages. [Note: DynaVox Systems has discontinued the DigiVox2. The Great Talking Box Company markets a product called the DigiCom2000, which is essentially the same device. For more information go to: http://www.greattalkingbox.com/digicom2000.htm]

An evaluation to determine which communication device would best meet either of these students' needs should be conducted by a team that includes: a speech and language specialist who is familiar with augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) principles and practices; an occupational therapist, if there are issues regarding how the student will access the device; and most importantly, the student, her family, teachers, and friends who can help determine which communication strategies, forms of representation, and opportunities for participation might allow her to be a more interactive and independent communicator at school, at home and in the community.

While there are no prerequisite skills for communication other than being conscious, specific skills are needed to use a particular communication device. For example, ability to: see and understand picture or graphic symbols; point to letters to spell words; hit a switch to select a message from a scanned sequence; and so on. Sarah Blackstone, Ph.D, CCC-SLP, author of Augmentative Communication News says:

"A critical component of the AAC device assessment process is to match the amount and kind of language in the user's brain to the amount and kind of language available in a particular AAC device so the individual can generate language as efficiently and effectively as possible. A proper match permits the individual to use the AAC device to communicate his or her thoughts and ideas and thereby meet the communication needs arising in daily activities."

Dr. Blackstone's January, 2001 series on AAC assessment includes a comprehensive section, Types of AAC Devices, which describes categories and characteristics of most of the AAC devices on the market today. Go to: http://www.augcominc.com/whatsnew/ncs5.html to read and/or print the article.

Sarah Blackstone points out, "Just because someone can use a device does not mean he or she will use it to communicate." This important point brings us to the most critical, and often omitted, part of an evaluation - a trial use period with the device(s)being considered. Dr. Blackstone documents the importance of conducting trial use periods via vendor or agency equipment loan programs in Article 3 of her series on augmentative communication assessment. To read and/or print Equipment Loan Programs: A Rationale go to: http://www.augcominc.com/articles/7_1_3.html

As always, you may e-mail me if you wish to have more specific information than I have included in this answer. For example, many of the Special Education Planning Areas (SELPA's) in California have equipment loan programs; I am most familiar with those in Northern California and would be happy to provide you with that information. E-mail: jrivers@dcn-cde.ca.gov. For questions you would like to have answered at this web site, please submit the request form.