COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the course on Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Techniques. This course is designed to provide you with an understanding of AAC, its applications, and the strategies necessary to support individuals with communication disorders. Whether you are a healthcare professional, educator, or caregiver, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to effectively implement AAC systems and enhance communication outcomes for those who need them.
We begin with an introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), where we define AAC, explore its scope, and understand its critical importance in enabling communication for individuals with speech or language impairments. You will also learn about the historical development of AAC techniques and how they have evolved to meet diverse communication needs.
The types of augmentative and alternative communication vary widely, from unaided communication methods, such as sign language and gestures, to aided communication systems that involve devices or tools. This section covers both low-tech and high-tech AAC solutions, helping you understand the range of options available to support communication.
Understanding communication disorders is essential for applying AAC effectively. This section provides an overview of various communication disorders, their impact on individuals, and how AAC can address the communication barriers these disorders create.
Assessment and selection of AAC devices require a thorough understanding of the user’s needs. You will learn how to evaluate communication needs, select appropriate AAC tools, and customise and personalise AAC systems to ensure they meet the specific requirements of each individual.
Implementing AAC in various settings is key to ensuring its effectiveness. This section explores the use of AAC in educational environments, healthcare and rehabilitation settings, and for social and community participation, highlighting the flexibility of AAC systems across different contexts.
Low-tech AAC solutions are often the first step in supporting communication. This section covers tools such as communication boards, books, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and symbol-based communication strategies, which are accessible and easy to implement.
High-tech AAC devices offer advanced solutions for communication. You will learn about speech-generating devices (SGDs), mobile apps for AAC, and innovative technologies like eye-tracking and switch-based systems, which provide powerful tools for individuals with more complex communication needs.
Communication strategies and techniques are crucial for the effective use of AAC. This section covers partner-assisted communication, multimodal communication approaches, and strategies for enhancing communication efficiency to ensure that AAC users can express themselves effectively.
Training and support for AAC users are essential for long-term success. You will explore the role of education for AAC users and their families, the involvement of speech-language pathologists in AAC training, and the importance of ongoing support and troubleshooting.
AAC and literacy development are interconnected, as AAC can play a significant role in supporting reading and writing skills. This section covers how to integrate AAC into literacy instruction and encourage language development through AAC tools and strategies.
Cultural and linguistic considerations in AAC are vital for ensuring that AAC systems are relevant and effective across diverse populations. You will learn how to adapt AAC for different cultural contexts, address multilingualism, and navigate ethical considerations in AAC implementation.
AAC in early childhood intervention focuses on the critical early years of development. This section covers the early identification of communication needs, integrating AAC in early childhood education, and implementing family-centred AAC interventions to support young children.
AAC in adult rehabilitation addresses the needs of adults with acquired communication disorders. You will learn about the role of AAC in post-stroke rehabilitation, supporting individuals with progressive neurological conditions, and strategies for adult AAC users.
Challenges and barriers in AAC implementation can hinder its success. This section explores how to overcome attitudinal barriers and stigma, address technical and access challenges, and ensure long-term use and success of AAC systems.
Finally, best practices in AAC implementation will be discussed through case studies of successful AAC use, best practices for AAC assessment and intervention, and real-life scenarios that offer practical solutions and insights.
By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and skills to effectively implement AAC techniques, support individuals with communication challenges, and enhance their ability to communicate and participate fully in their communities.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Definition and Scope of AAC
- Importance of AAC in Communication
- Historical Development of AAC Techniques
2. Types of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
- Unaided Communication Methods
- Aided Communication Systems
- High-Tech vs Low-Tech AAC Solutions
3. Understanding Communication Disorders
- Types of Communication Disorders
- Impact of Communication Disorders on Individuals
- Role of AAC in Addressing Communication Barriers
4. Assessment and Selection of AAC Devices
- Evaluating Communication Needs
- Criteria for Selecting AAC Tools
- Customisation and Personalisation of AAC Systems
5. Implementing AAC in Various Settings
- AAC in Educational Environments
- AAC in Healthcare and Rehabilitation
- AAC for Social and Community Participation
6. Low-Tech AAC Solutions
- Communication Boards and Books
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- Symbol-Based Communication Strategies
7. High-Tech AAC Devices
- Speech-Generating Devices (SGDs)
- Mobile Apps for AAC
- Eye-Tracking and Switch-Based AAC Systems
8. Communication Strategies and Techniques
- Partner-Assisted Communication
- Multimodal Communication Approaches
- Strategies for Enhancing Communication Efficiency
9. Training and Support for AAC Users
- Educating AAC Users and Their Families
- Role of Speech-Language Pathologists in AAC Training
- Ongoing Support and Troubleshooting for AAC Users
10. AAC and Literacy Development
- Integrating AAC into Literacy Instruction
- Supporting Reading and Writing Skills with AAC
- Encouraging Language Development through AAC
11. Cultural and Linguistic Considerations in AAC
- Adapting AAC for Diverse Cultural Contexts
- Addressing Multilingualism in AAC Users
- Ethical Considerations in AAC Implementation
12. AAC in Early Childhood Intervention
- Early Identification of Communication Needs
- Integrating AAC in Early Childhood Education
- Family-Centred AAC Interventions
13. AAC in Adult Rehabilitation
- AAC for Adults with Acquired Communication Disorders
- Role of AAC in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
- AAC Strategies for Progressive Neurological Conditions
14. Challenges and Barriers in AAC Implementation
- Overcoming Attitudinal Barriers and Stigma
- Addressing Technical and Access Challenges
- Strategies for Ensuring Long-Term AAC Use and Success
15. Best Practices in AAC Implementation
- Case Studies of Successful AAC Use
- Best Practices for AAC Assessment and Intervention
- Real-Life Scenarios and Solutions in AAC
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.