Class 9 - What is Communication?

Class 9 was very thought provoking since there were many questions posed to the class that definitely made me really think about how I communication with people on a daily basis.  We worked with partners to locate definitions and resources about various augmentative and alternative communication programs and/or devices.  So.... 


What is Communication?  Communication is the conveying of information or exchange of information to share information, needs, opinions, ideas, beliefs, feelings, emotions, experiences and values.  Communication is more than just talking and listening; it involves understanding and interpreting.  In order for communication to be effective, there are certain components that are needed including a common language, a communication partner and joint attention (active listener).       

Communication can be divided into 4 different categories but delivered in a variety of ways.

1.            Verbal communication

2.            Non-verbal communication

3.            Written communication

4.            Visual communication

When people communicate, they do so in a variety of ways including;    

: with their eyes

: orally via face to face interactions, telephone, radio, television, etc

: physically through touch, body gestures

: sign language  

: pictorially through the use of programs like Board Maker or PECs

: in writing via letters, emails, books, magazines

: technology devices with programming including iPad with Proloquo2go or Picture Card Maker Plus

:  visually with charts, graphs, maps, logos, etc

For some individuals, assistance is needed to communicate in an effective manner with others.  Therefore, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) programs and/or devices are required.  Augmentative and Alternative Communication is an umbrella term that encompasses the communication methods used to supplement or replace speech or writing for those with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language.  AAC is used by individuals with a wide range of speech and language impairments including congenital impairments such as cerebral palsy, intellectual impairments and autism. In addition, AAC is used by individuals who have acquired conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. 

Barb, our professor posed a trick question....WHO IS A TYPICAL USER OF AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION?  Well, throughout this course I have learned so much about assistive technology programs and devices and who it assists.  AT supports a wide variety of users with a wide variety of needs....there is no typical user.  I have learned that every piece of assistive technology that is put in the hands of a user must be MATCHED.  Without this MATCH, AT and AAC programs and devices could prove ineffective for the user; creating frustration as opposed to success.  Taking the time to understand the strengths, needs, wants and goals of the user and his/her family and being aware of the different environments the AT and/or ACC will be used in is extremely important.  Hence, there are a variety of models you can access to help ensure you are making an appropriate AT and/or ACC match with a user including the Chambers, Lifespace Access Profile (LAP Model), Students Environments Tasks Tools Framework (SETT), Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI), Education Tech Points model (ETP) and Matching Person and Technology (MPT). 



There are 2 different types of communication systems; unaided communication systems and aided communication systems.  Unaided communication systems rely on the user's body to convey messages gestures, facial expressions, vocalizations, speech, and sign language.

Whereas, aided communication systems require the use of tools or equipment in addition to the user's body.  For instance, using an actual object to convey meaning.  For example,

your child hands you a cup to let you know she is thirsty  pointing to, such as pictures or textures on a communication board or in a book activating a device; for example, your child presses a switch or button on a recorded speech device, initiating auditory output that says, "I'm thirsty."  There are a variety of both aided and unaided communication systems including Communication boards, Communication books, Recorded speech devices, Keyboards (The symbols on the keyboard might be letters, words, or picture symbols), Proloquo2go, Boardmaker, Picture Card Maker Plus, etc. 

Presently at my school, I have several young students who utilize a variety of modalities to communicate with others.  For instance, a little girl in Grade 3 who is Globally Delayed uses her iPad with Picture Card Maker Plus, vocalizations, gestures, touch, and eye contact to communicate her wants, needs, questions, etc to staff and peers.  Two other students; one is in Senior Kindergarten and has Apraxia, the other is in Grade 6 and Autistic; both boys use their iPads with Proloquo2go, gestures, and vocalizations to communicate.  It is truly amazing how a piece of technology has opened a whole new world to these students, who before their technology was matched to them, were not clearly understood. 

 I often wonder what my brother Kenny would be able to do if we matched appropriate technology to meet his needs.  You see, Kenny is 46 and non-verbal but since his arrival into this world, he has communicated to those around him in his own way....vocalizations, pointing, nodding of his head to yes and no questions, eye contact and touch.  Although programs like sign language and Bliss Symbols were implemented, both were ineffective.  With the knowledge I am gaining from this course, I wonder if AT could be successfully implemented now, especially after years of communicating the ways he has.   

Seeing inspirational people like Maya and her family in the youtube video titled, Maya Finds her Voice gives me hope.  Maya is a beautiful young girl who clearly had lots to share with others but was unable to use her voice the way I can.  She needed a different mode of communication and fortunately for Maya, her family discovered it.  Through love, devotion and hard work, Maya was given an extremely important key...a piece of technology with some individualized programming and a whole new world was accessible to her.  Absolutely amazing!!!!  
      
Hope you enjoy! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyGr7_B2Nrk