Editor’s note: We at Verizon are committed to advancing the world based on principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. To ensure that all customers have a great digital experience, we adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 AA of the World Wide Web Consortium. We have a number of measures in place to try to achieve or surpass those standards. Additionally, we provide critical support to global initiatives such as the Valuable 500 and Ability Beyond that create low-cost devices to help clients with disabilities communicate and thrive.
Jay, as he’ll be referred to here, and his family never thought a tablet could change their lives. Jay was born without a corpus Callosum, which is a wide band of nerves connecting the left and right halves of the brain. His parents knew that Jay could have difficulties with walking and talking even before he was born.
Jay, now 4, is developing in many normal ways at this young age. Jay was not able to speak when I began working with him as his speech therapist. Now, Jay is interacting with his siblings, his peers and his parents using a tablet and a specialized communication app that’s helping him express his every thought.
According to the American Speech Language and Hearing Association, Jay is just one of over 2 million Americans who use AAC for communication. AAC technology can be as simple as downloading an app for parents and kids such as Jay. But ease of use and access isn’t all that’s important. AAC devices are more efficient, but three-quarters of the five AAC apps or devices can be forgotten or abandoned after one year, because caregivers have difficulty making them work. Understanding the technology is key to helping children in need to communicate their feelings.
This parent’s guide is ideal for those who are just learning what AAC technologies are and how they can help children better express themselves.
What is AAC?
AAC refers to any form of communication that is not spoken words. It could be gestures, such as a thumbs-up from across the room or a wave good bye. AAC that is low-tech or no-tech includes written words and sign language. It can also include drawings. High-tech AAC—which we’ll focus on for this article—includes anything that is technology based, such as a computer or tablet with an app that can provide a speech output.
These devices are sometimes called speech-generating devices or SGD. That’s just a fancy way of saying “it talks for you.” For example, Elizabeth Bonkers, a non-verbal college graduate, recently gave a commencement speech using such a device. Watch her speech here.
AAC can be used for a wide range of children with different abilities. With the advent of AAC applications for smartphones and tablets, they’re more widely available than ever. Most of these new apps are highly customizable so that each child’s needs are met on an individualized basis.
How AAC technology helps children communicate
AAC devices were long before apps and tablets. They were made of paper pages in three-ring bindings or the same size as small computers. The only way to use the device was to point to or push buttons with images. Voice output was mechanical and robotic by modern standards.
Technology has advanced to the point that it is now high-tech. AAC apps are available for smartphones and tablets, as well as standalone devices that are specifically designed for AAC. These devices are preloaded with communication software.
Speech output voices are natural and personalized, and these devices can be accessed with direct touch, eye gaze, keyboards and even electromyography-based controls, which means the device can be accessed by the measurement of electrical activity associated with the activation of a muscle group using a small, wearable piece of tech that interfaces with the device.
With these high-tech changes, AAC is now accessible to people in ways that it wasn’t 20 years ago. Insurance may partially cover the cost, but this depends on the policy.
Children can reap the benefits of AAC technology that is high-tech and efficient
These are six benefits to going high-tech.
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Robust vocabulary: AAC technology that is high-tech allows children to quickly access more vocabulary words. Low-tech options limit what can be printed on a single page. For example, if you go out to a restaurant, you’re limited to ordering what you see printed on the menu versus asking for what you really want. This could prove to be restrictive in situations where communication is more fluid or spontaneous.
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Adapts with a child’s developmental progress: Proloquo2go is an app that adapts to your child’s needs. For example, you may start with 15 to 20 vocabulary terms per screen on your tablet or smartphone. As the child grows, it is possible to add more words.
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Improved auditory feedback Some children have difficulties decoding certain parts of verbal communication. For example, one speaker may hear and understand the phrase, “I want the ball.” For those high on the autism spectrum, for example, tiny changes or fluctuations in the speaker’s tone or facial expression could make the phrase mean something different. The consistent message output from a high-tech app or device means the user can experience the message the same way each time it’s produced, making it easier to decode, and then easier to repeat. Some children are able to repeat certain phrases verbally from these devices as a result of research.
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Multiple language options: Many apps and devices support multiple languages. This is ideal for children living in bilingual households. High-tech AAC options allow you to switch languages easily.
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Communicating with large groups Children are limited to communicating with those who can see their AAC boards or displays using low-tech methods. It is possible for a child to communicate but no one notices. Anyone can hear the voice output of high-tech apps or devices.
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Internet access: Many apps and devices have the ability to transform messages into email, social media posts and emails. This is an essential part of being an adolescent in today’s world, and not available when using low tech.
Here are some things to consider when selecting high-tech AAC devices and apps
Talk to a speech pathologist before you make a decision about an AAC device or app, no matter how high-tech or low-tech. It is a complicated decision that requires the assistance of a speech pathologist and an augmentative communications team. This brief list can help you begin your search.
Every app and every device are different. Some tablets may not have access to all features, such as email or social media. Some subscriptions are monthly. Some may not be covered by insurance, so it’s important to work with your insurance company and speech pathologist.
There are many AAC devices and apps, but not all of them are the same. Different symbols are used by different people. Some of these are difficult to program. Also in my experience, the less expensive apps don’t work as well. You might have pop-up ads or glitches. Ask for the advice of a speech pathologist. Remember, these people are selling the devices. I’ve had experiences where families have talked with a salesperson before a speech therapist. It’s important to ensure that your therapist’s recommendation comes first.
Each app may not be available on every tablet. Some apps only work on iOS, while others can be downloaded on other platforms. This is important information if you have multiple products that you want to use in your home. For example, you might purchase an app on your phone, only to realize later it can’t be used on your tablet.
How to select the best AAC app for your child
It’s important to note that not all speech therapists have experience with high-tech AAC technology. Ask whether they are familiar with them and how long they have been working alongside children who use AAC.
These are some suggestions to help you choose the best AAC technology for your child.
Define your child’s communication needs. What are their communication goals What communication goals do they have? What are their preferred contacts? They will need to be able to access their app or device from anywhere.
Consider your child’s physical abilities. There are no prerequisites for AAC. However, some medical conditions like cerebral palsy require a team approach. There are AAC apps and devices designed for different age groups and abilities and your speech pathologist will know what’s best for your family.
You can try different apps and devices. Many companies offer free trial periods on their device. Speech language therapists also have access to these apps. While it can seem urgent to get a device, picking the wrong one could lead to abandonment.
You can check parental lock options for the tablet. Some tablets do not have this feature. Devices that are used by younger kids may require parental locks. If your child uses a tablet for entertainment purposes, such as watching videos or playing games, it may be easier to allow them to continue using the device for therapy. It is important to keep any distractions from the tablet away that may hinder them from using it for therapy.
Check screen light options. Certain iOS devices let you turn off blue light on screens. This could lead to neurological problems, according to studies.
Buy a case to protect your belongings and a plan of protection if you have the funds. Devices are likely to be dropped, dropped and splattered all over the place. Be prepared.
If the AAC team can find the right app or device for your child, it’s possible to unlock their world in ways you can’t imagine. Your child might become more connected to their world, just like Jay. Not only is Jay expressing his wants and desires, but he’s using his device to learn new concepts and interact in social situations.
Recently, using his device, Jay was able to tell his parents, “I love you,” a powerful phrase that’s been in him for some time, and just needed a little high-tech help to express.
With Smart Family You can easily protect your children online and keep track of their activities with just one app.
