Foxsong

Augmentative & Alternative Communication publishes international research into the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of individuals using AAC systems. Proloquo2Go is one of the few AAC apps that covers all users, from beginning to advanced communicators, while catering for a wide range of fine-motor, visual and cognitive skills. It is designed to grow along with the user. The multi-level Crescendo™ vocabulary offers three vocabulary levels in 23 different grid sizes. Background: Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can assist persons with complex communication needs to communicate competently with a variety of communication partners in a variety of contexts. However, AAC systems and intervention often do not take multilingual aspects into consideration.

Abstract

Background: Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can assist persons with complex communication needs to communicate competently with a variety of communication partners in a variety of contexts. However, AAC systems and intervention often do not take multilingual aspects into consideration.

Objective: This small-scale exploratory study had three aims, namely: (1) to describe the self-reported language skills of multilingual South African adults using AAC, (2) to describe the languages and communication modalities they used in interaction and (3) to obtain their views regarding access to various languages.

Methods: Twenty-seven adults using AAC were recruited via an empowerment programme, as well as an email list for persons interested in AAC, and provided responses to a questionnaire. To compensate for access and written language challenges, the questionnaire was administered with help and/or as a face-to-face interview where needed. Responses were analysed using mostly descriptive statistics.

Results: Participants generally could not express themselves in all the languages they understood and were regularly exposed to. Speech-generating devices specifically gave access almost exclusively to English. Participants expressed a desire to increase their expressive language repertoire, and mentioned both limitations of communication technology as well as their own literacy skills as barriers to overcome in this regard.

Conclusion: In order for multilingual South African adults using AAC to express themselves in multiple languages, appropriate AAC systems and interventions as well as literacy learning opportunities need to be developed and provided.

Keywords

1. Recovery Delay with Visual Feedback to Reduce Errors in Single-Switch Scanning Keyboards
D.T.G. Mariano, Y. Morére, P. Pino, A.A.R. de Sá, E.L.M. Naves
IRBM year: 2020
doi: 10.1016/j.irbm.2020.10.003

The International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) works to improve the lives of children and adults who use AAC. ISAAC’s vision is that AAC will be recognized, valued and used throughout the world. ISAAC’s mission is to promote the best possible communication for people with complex communication needs.

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) helps millions worldwide who cannot rely on their natural speech to communicate.

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Proloquo : Multilingual Augmentative And Alternative Communication

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Proloquo : Multilingual Augmentative And Alternative Therapies

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