Augmentative & Alternative Communication

Catalog description

This elective course will provide a working knowledge of augmentative and alternative communication modes. Individuals of all ages (birth to geriatric) who would benefit from augmentative and alternative communication modes will be explored. School-age children in general education, as well as inclusion settings, will be discussed. Augmentative and alternative communication systems and training techniques to promote participation, inclusion, and socialization in a variety of settings will be explored. The course will examine the vast array of low, mid, and high assistive technologies (philosophy and actual technology items) that improve the communication, language, and literacy skills of individuals that are unable to meet their daily linguistic/communication needs via speech or writing. Students will understand and become comfortable with using and exploring augmentative and alternative communication technologies for individuals with varied skills/needs (e.g., positioning, access, and multicultural considerations). Evaluation and training via evidence-based practice will be discussed. Funding sources will be explored as well as the appropriate paperwork for obtaining these augmentative and alternative communication systems. Students will understand the need for ongoing evaluation of augmentative and alternative communication technologies to ensure optimum benefit for the individual within all his/her environments.