Useful Information

This issue of Augmentative Communication News focuses on the use of augmentative and alternative (AAC) approaches and related assistive technologies (AT) by people who acquire severe communication impairments as a result of diseases or injuries during adolescence or adulthood and specifically, on information from 23 well-known AAC clinicians and researchers who provide "how to" information based on solid clinical experience and current research. .

Adults with chronic or acute conditions are a diverse group (varied in age, stage of life, communication needs, life experiences and preferences). However, they share similarities that influence the AAC assessment and treatment process. For example,

• As children they developed natural speech, relied on it for many years and established ways of expressing their needs, exchanging information and maintaining social connections.
• Most are literate.
• All have carried out specific social roles, e.g., student, employer, employee, parent, spouse, breadwinner, educator, housekeeper, etc. When adults suddenly or gradually begin to experience difficulty speaking, not only their ability to communicate is affected. Much of what they do, and how they do it, changes. Severe communication impairments often influence self-image and how one is perceived and treated by others.
• Most of these individuals will try to use their difficult-to-understand speech if at all possible.
• Many will also choose to use low-tech displays with family members and long-term caregivers.
• An increasing number will choose to use a speech-generating device (SGD) and other AAC technologies.