A.A.C. and EQUIPMENT
A.A.C.
The term A.A.C.(Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is an all-embracing term covering many different forms of communication strategies used by people with communication difficulties - eye-pointing,picture boards, letter boards , electronic communication aids, typing etc. A great source for information regarding all aspects of AAC is Communication MattersF.C.T. is "Facilitated Communication Training". This is a method developed to train facilitators in supporting people who have difficulty in accessing AAC. This method was pioneered by Rosemary Crossley in Australia ( DEAL Australia )
In the UK, courses in FCT are offered at Bolton Institute. For further information follow this link Training Information
CandLE (Communication and Learning Enterprises) offers Training, Assessments and Support in a range of Disability Issues, Inclusion and Curriculum. Director, Marion Stanton, also lectures on FCT at Bolton Institute. Their website is at CandLE
An informative report on Communication Aid Provision can be downloaded from the Integrating Community Equipment Services Web Site
Equipment
References in this section are intended to give you some help in tracking down sources for equipment. Whilst I have had good experiences with the Companies and Organisations listed, no reference in these pages should be taken as a recommendation or endorsement. You are strongly advised, when buying any items of equipment, to seek appropriate professional guidance.Dynavox Systems - Manufacturers of Communication Aids including the new DV4.
QED - QED manufactures and distributes a large range of 'Innovative Products for People with Special Needs'.
Permobil - Manufacturers of highly innovative and adaptable powered wheelchairs.
Techcess - Suppliers of a wide range of solutions for communication difficulties, including hardware and software and the Tellus 3+ ®.
Sensory Software - Creators of the Grid2 ® software.
Communication Aids
I am getting really fed-up with trying to find a communication aid that will enable me to communicate without massive traumas! I have posted this rant on my blog and repeat it here for anyone who might be listening (manufacturers, take note!).Postscript to this rant: After a considerable amount of research and trial and after spending three days at last year's Communication Matters grilling manufacturers, I settled upon the Tellus 3+ combined with Grid2 software from Sensory Software. So far, I am absolutely delighted with my choice and the combination works really well for me, though I must stress that "for me". No two communication aid users are the same and have individual needs."My Communication Aid is vital to me in all aspects of my life. I can't imagine now what it would be like to go back to the time before I had a communication aid. I certainly could not have achieved all I have if it hadn't been for the kindness of the group of friends who worked so hard to get me my first machine.
And yet, even after all these years of development, I still find it incredibly difficult to find an aid that will do all the things that I want to do. At the moment, I am researching devices with a view to buying a new one shortly.
I need to be able to programme the device myself, to easily link from page to page, concept to concept. I need to be able to deliver large sections of speech for my presentations and the training I give. The device must mount on a wheelchair (and still allow me to see where I am driving!) and also have a stand for desktop use. I need a machine that is reliable and will not constantly freeze or crash when I am programming or delivering a talk. And I need to be able to do this in a good, clear precise U.K. English voice. Added advantages would be the ability to make mobile phone calls from the device and an extra powerful amplifier.
Surely, in this day and age, this should not be too much to expect when you look at what is available in the mainstream entertainment and communication fields? And yet, so far, I have been unable to find a device that satisfies all these requirements.
Some manufacturers have tried to imply that I am too demanding or picky. However, as I have already said, my communication aid is the thing that enables me to lead a valuable, busy and demanding life. Without it, I would not have been able to give up many of my state benefits and set up my business. It is not only my prime means of communication - it is my identity to the people I meet.
As more youngsters become proficient with communication aids and move into adulthood, many of them will grow up with much higher expectations from their devices. I feel now is the time for us to put pressure on manufacturers to provide devices which will satisfy our more demanding needs in the future. If anyone else feels the same way, I would be delighted to hear from you.
I would also be very interested to hear of your experiences with your communication aid, good or bad. With your permission, I would be very happy to post them up on my blog."
