Do you tend to think that if you could just find the right AAC device,
then success will follow? This is a common myth, answered eloquently
by David Chappel, computer programmer and AAC user:
"AAC doesn't make successful people;
People make AAC successful."
[Reference: Fried-Oken, M & Bersani, H.A. (2000)
Speaking Up and Spelling It Out: Personal Essays on Augmentative &
Alternative Communication. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes .p. 153.]
Here are some other facts about AAC that are often forgotten...
There
are far more access methods to AAC than most people think NEW!!
When they talk about "access" to AAC, most people tend to
think about direct selection or scanning.
But this page will show you many more access strategies to consider.
Communication
modes evolve over time NEW!!
Individuals who rely on AAC develop an arsenal of complex communication
strategies that they use and modify as necessary over time. Take a look
at the changes over time in Kristin Rytter's methods of communication.
Multiple
modalities are essential
Speech Output is heavily emphasized in AAC but it is not the only necessary
method of communication. Here are just a few examples of people requiring
many modes of communication to participate in life.
Non-tech
strategies can be equally important
Whether AAC users have high technology or not, there are ways in which
low tech systems may be advantageous. Follow the link above to meet
some individuals who use both high and low technology.
These are just a sampling of examples that
show the diversity of possible AAC strategies. Come back to find more
examples as this web site grows.
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