The
Forum Note by Janice Light and David McNaughton in the latest journal from
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention has a timely reminder
about what we are all doing, and why we are doing it.
Technology
abounds in all areas of our lives now, and yes it can make life much easier.
However, we need to remember, it is "just a tool".
The
tool needs to - meet the needs of the individual;
- meet the needs of the persons environment and communication situations;
- be able to be supported by the environment, i.e. do people who interact with the person with AAC
- know how to use the technology (and they are not afraid of the technology)
- know how to maintain the technology,
- keep the technology up to date, and
- even remembering to charge it! ready for use.
But,
the tool does not make the communication. Communication happens between 2
or more people.
Rather
than chasing the latest app or latest software or hardware - ask yourself....
-
will the communication interaction make the difference?
-
can support staff, family and others be supported with more skills and
knowledge and experience with interaction;
-
does the person who needs AAC support have things to talk about, and things
he/she wants to talk about?
- is
there time in the day to communicate with the person with AAC?
All
the pieces of the puzzle need to come together to enhance a persons’ communication.
Talk
to Cathy about how to improve the communication environment to support the
person who uses Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
Reference
Janice
Light & David McNaughton. Putting People First: Re-Thinking the Role of
Technology in Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention
December
2013, Vol. 29, No. 4 , Pages 299-30. www.informahealthcare.com
Cathy
0466
579 855
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