What is AAC? Discover the Power of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Written by Jo Jackson 27th May 2024
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes a wide range of techniques designed to support or replace spoken communication. Whether you need a simple, low-tech solution or a sophisticated, high-tech device, AAC offers something for everyone.
Low-Tech AAC: Simple Yet Effective
Low-tech AAC includes straightforward, non-electronic tools like picture boards, communication books, and letter boards. These options rely on physical interaction and don't require batteries or software. They are often more accessible, cost-effective, and easy to use in various settings.
High-Tech AAC: Advanced Solutions for Complex Needs
High-tech AAC involves cutting-edge electronic devices such as speech-generating devices (SGDs), tablets with specialized communication apps, and eye-tracking systems. These sophisticated tools produce speech output, adapt to user preferences, and integrate with other technologies, offering a comprehensive solution for individuals with complex communication needs.
Both low-tech and high-tech AAC options play crucial roles in facilitating effective communication, with the choice depending on the user's abilities, preferences, and specific communication contexts.
Comprehensive Assessment: Tailoring AAC to Individual Needs
The journey with AAC begins with a thorough assessment, ensuring the selected system aligns perfectly with the user's needs. Key factors considered include:
Communication Needs and Goals: Identifying specific situations and contexts where communication is essential.
Physical and Sensory Abilities: Evaluating fine motor skills, vision, and hearing to choose the most suitable AAC device.
Cognitive and Language Skills: Assessing the individual’s language comprehension and usage to match the AAC system with their cognitive abilities.
Personal Preferences: Considering the preferences of the individual and their family to ensure the AAC system is user-friendly and culturally appropriate.
Supporting AAC Users: Ensuring Long-Term Success
Once an AAC system is chosen, ongoing support from Speech and Language Therapists is crucial for its successful implementation. This support includes:
Training: Educating the individual, their family, and caregivers on how to use the AAC system effectively.
Customization: Personalizing the AAC device with vocabulary and phrases relevant to the user’s daily life.
Regular Reviews: Conducting periodic assessments to monitor progress and adjust the AAC system as needed.
Collaboration: Working with teachers, caregivers, and other professionals to create a supportive environment that encourages AAC use.
For AAC to be effective, it must be seamlessly integrated into the user’s daily routines and environments. This may involve modifying the user’s surroundings (e.g., home, school, work) to accommodate the AAC system. Consistent use across different settings is essential, and a collaborative approach involving a multidisciplinary team—such as Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Teachers, and other professionals is key.
Enhance Your Communication with The Speech Hive
If you feel that you or a loved one could benefit from AAC, The Speech Hive is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your communication needs and explore the best AAC options tailored to enhance your quality of life.
Decision-making and mental capacity: How can Speech and Language Therapy help?
Written by Jo Jackson 8th April 2024
Among the many roles that a Speech and Language Therapist may have, one of the less discussed is the role around assessing and supporting mental capacity. In this blog, we’ll explore how Speech and Language Therapists play an important role in supporting people to make informed decisions.
What is mental capacity?
Mental capacity refers to the ability to make an informed decision. This may involve medical decisions, legal decisions or general life decisions. It includes understanding the information relevant to a decision, retaining that information, weighing it up, and communicating that decision.
Mental capacity is not static and can fluctuate due to illness or injury. Mental capacity is specific to time and the decision being made.
People with speech, language and communication needs may need help and support in making informed decisions and then communicating these decisions.
Speech and Language Therapy and mental capacity
Speech and Language Therapists are able to contribute to the assessment of mental capacity due to their training in communication and cognition. Speech and Language Therapists are trained to work with people who have communication and swallowing difficulties and therefore have a vital role in supporting people who have difficulties in making decisions related to these.
A Speech and Language Therapist may support in the following ways:
1. Communication Assessment: Communication difficulties can significantly impact on a person’s ability to understand information, express their wishes and engage in decision-making processes. Speech and Language Therapists can complete comprehensive language assessments with the individual to help identify barriers to communication and identify strategies to support their communication.
2. Cognitive Assessment: Speech and Language Therapists can assess some areas of cognitive function including memory, attention, executive functioning and problem-solving.
3. Augementative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Speech and Language Therapists can support an individual in using a wide range of low and high-tech AAC devices. AAC devices may enable an individual to communicate their wants and wishes regarding a specific decision.
4. Advocacy: Speech and Language Therapists have a role in advocating for individuals with communication and cognitive difficulties, ensuring that their voices are heard in the decision-making process. They can also provide support for family members and other professionals involved.
In conclusion, Speech and Language Therapists are able to complete a number of communication and cognitive assessments to help determine whether a person can independently communicate and make decisions. They will also work closely with other professionals when assessing whether a person lacks capacity. When carrying out a capacity assessment the Speech and Language Therapist will work within the guidelines of the Mental Capacity Act (2005).
WORKING WITH PROFESSIONAL VOICE USERS
Written by Jo Jackson, March 21st 2024
THE IMPORTANCE OF VOCAL CARE
As a professional voice user, whether a teacher, singer, contact centre worker, or public speaker, your voice is not just a tool - it's your livelihood.
However, the demands of your profession can often take a toll on your vocal health. That's why understanding the importance of vocal care and implementing strategies to maintain a healthy voice is crucial. As a Speech and Language Therapist with a keen interest in voice, I'm here to shed light on this vital aspect of professional life.
1. Vocal Health Awareness:
Many professional voice users are unaware of the intricate mechanisms involved in vocal production and the factors that can impact vocal health. From vocal cord anatomy to the effects of dehydration and vocal misuse, understanding the fundamentals of vocal health is the first step towards prevention and maintenance.
2. Preventative Measures:
Like any other aspect of health, prevention is key when it comes to vocal care. Simple measures such as staying hydrated and avoiding vocal abuse (e.g. shouting, excessive talking) can go a long way in preserving vocal health and preventing vocal fatigue and strain.
3. Vocal Hygiene Practice:
Adopting good vocal hygiene practices can help safeguard your voice. This includes warming up your voice before prolonged use, avoiding irritants like smoke and excessive caffeine, and practicing good vocal habits such as speaking at a comfortable pitch and volume.
4. Effective Voice Use Techniques:
Professional voice users often require specific techniques to optimise vocal performance and longevity. Speech and Language Therapists can provide guidance on breath support, resonance, pitch variation and vocal protection to ensure efficient and sustainable voice production, even in challenging environments.
5. Vocal Rehabilitation:
In cases where vocal issues arise due to misuse, overuse, or injury, seeking prompt intervention from a Speech and Language Therapist is essential. Through targeted exercises, vocal therapy techniques, and personalised treatment plans, therapists can hekp restore vocal function and prevent recurrence of issues.
6. Continued Education and Support:
Just as professional atheletes invest in ongoing training and support to optimise performance and prevent inury, professional users should prioritise ongoing education and support for vocal health. Workshops, seminars and individualised coaching sessions with a Speech and Language Therapist can provide invaluable insights and strategies for maintaining a healthy voice througohut one's careers.
In conclusion, vocal care is not a luxury - it's a necessity for professional voice users.
At The Speech Hive we believe that all professional voice users should be given training and advice on vocal care at the beginning of their careers. The Speech Hive offers preventative voice care training giving professional voice users the opportunity to invest in their long-term career. Get in touch for more information!