International AAC Awareness Month

The month of October is International AAC awareness month. While most speech pathologists know what this this means, it would leave many of my other friends and acquaintances scratching their heads. Since the month is about spreading awareness I thought I would try by explaining what AAC is first and then share some great resources I found. In Textbook terms, Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC) is any method of communication used to supplement or replace speaking or writing for those with impairments with understanding or using spoken or written language (source). In simpler terms it can be signing or gestures, use of picture symbols or speech generating devices (such as a Dynovox). Methods can be classified as aided (use of pictures or devices) or unaided (signing or gesturing). AAC can be used with many in low-tech or high-tech forms and according to ASHA there are no specific requirements or prerequisites for the use of AAC. It is amazing and can make all the difference for those without a voice.

Want to know more about AAC? Check out these wonderful resources below:

ISAAC International

AAC Facts

Mass Match

Jane Farrall Blog

Talkitt App

A few years ago I was able to work with a middle school student who had cerebral palsy from birth. This young man like many with CP, had great receptive understanding but struggled with the motor planning and coordination needed for gross motor, fine motor and speech sounds. He loved writing stories and as a reward for being on task he would get to have 20 minutes over my lunch with me so I could type for him. He would tell a story and I would type it. He at times would be very frustrated by the mistakes I made in typing his stories or the frequency he was asked to repeat. Over the past week I read 2-3 articles about the Talkitt App made by Voiceitt Inc.. It made me think of my lunch companion as he was not interested in traditional speech generating devices when we trialed them. How this app would change his world.  Please watch the video below for more demonstration:

http://vimeo.com/102241400

The creators are a company called VoiceItt and are based out of Isreal. They are still raising funds to fine tune this app. What I find to be especially amazing is that they say it will benefit users of all languages.

Additional Resources: 

http://nocamels.com/2014/08/amazing-app-talkitt-allows-people-with-speech-impairments-to-speak-clearly/

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/talkitt-app-helps-speech-disorder,news-19279.html