AAC: LET’S GET TO THE
CORE
What is Core Vocabulary?
Interactive Core Vocabulary Workshop!
Exploring different Core Vocabulary
sets and AAC systems. Putting to
practice effective facilitation techniques
and implementation ideas!
Region 13
Hill Country6XPPHU,QVWLWXWH
June 16, 2015
ުCore Vocabulary (CV) is a concept related to overall frequency of
word use. CV is a relatively small set of simple words, in any
language, that are used frequently and across contexts (Cross,
Baker, Klotz & Badman, 1997).
CoreVocab13 CV Basics
"OEUIF8IZPGDPSFWPDBCVMBSZ
Presented by:
Jenny Dumas, M.S., CCC-SLP
Nichole Kertis, OT
Agenda
●
●
●
●
●
Core Vocab Basics
Effective Communication Facilitation Techniques
Vocabulary Organization for AAC systems
CV Assessment
AAC implementation ideas for facilitating interactive communication in
the classroom
● Principles for Implementation
● Interactive AAC Lab throughout the workshop
Selecting the Teaching Approach
Speech
Talk
Signs
Symbols
Sign
?????
Wait for Prerequisite Skills to Develop….
Adequate receptive language skills
Identify objects and pictures on request
Follow simple commands
Aided Language Stimulation
Aided Language Stimulation
(ALGS) approach in which the
facilitator points out symbols on
the child’s communication display
in conjunction with all ongoing
language stimulation. Through the
modeling process, the concept of
using pictorial symbols
interactively is demonstrated for
the individuals.
Goossens’ Crain, & Elder (1992)
CoreVocab13 ALgS
Solution
Core Vocabulary Organization:
Language Representation Methods
Core vocabulary words can be used with any symbol set and may be
organized using one of these language representation methods.
ު Closed Language System
ު Open Language System
ު Single Meaning Icons
ު Multi-Meaning Icons
Closed Language Systems
The term “Closed Language System”
refers to organizing and grouping
vocabulary that is relevant to a
specific context or activity.
Closed Language System
SONFO FLEX: WORD BASED/CONTEXT SPECIFIC VOCAB
SET
Pros:
-Limited, manageable array of
vocabulary
-Page turning not required all the
language you need on one page.
- Potential for increased
communicative competency
-Ease of student learning
-Ease of facilitator learning
Vocabulary Organization with AAC
Technology
Single Meaning Icons
Single Meaning Icons = one
icon will have one meaning.
Activation requires one icon
hit to generate one word.
Multi-Meaning Icons
Multi-Meaning Icons (semantic
compaction =one icon can mean
several different things.
Activation requires sequencing of 2 or
more icons to generate one word.
Cons
-Limited vocabulary array
Open Language System
The term “Open Language System”
refers to vocabulary that can be used
across all contexts for novel message
generations. .
Vocabulary organization with AAC
Technology
Single Meaning Icons
Multi-Meaning Icons
Pros
-Large vocabulary array
-Flexible message expression
-Increase opportunity for topic shifts
More closely matches spoken language
-Supports our goal for CV= SNUG.
-Supports communicative autonomy.
- Being able to say whatever I want to say, to whoever I
want to say it to, whenever I want to say it. Gayle Porter
Cons
-May seem like an unmanageable vocabulary size for
teachers and school staff at first.
Touch Chat: WordPower 42 Basic
- Increased visual load
-Increased cognitive load
Nova Chat 10: Picture Word Power 48
Accent 1200: Unity 84 sequenced
CV Organization: No-Tech/Light-Tech
Text/Alphabet based
Text/Alphabet Based=letters
from the alphabet are used to
generate words and then
generate messages.
● It’s important to have
within an AAC
vocabulary retrieval set
system.
ު Organization of No Tech AAC systems
ު Review various Manual Communication Boards (MCBs) with Core
Vocabulary:
ު Single Sheet MCBS
ު Multiple Simultaneous Design MCBS
ު Multiple Sequential Design MCBS
CV Organization: Low-Tech
Text/Alphabet Based with CV
ު Organization of Low-Tech AAC systems
CV Organization: High-Tech AAC
PROLOQUO2GO
Core Vocabulary
ު Organization of High Tech AAC devices:
ު https://sites.google.com/a/esc13.net/corevocab13/types-ofaac-technology/high-tech
ު Discuss 3 AAC apps with Core Vocabulary: See what’s available
with Pros and Cons
ު Proloquo2GO
ު TouchChat with Word Power
ު LAMP
TOUCHCHAT: WORD POWER
PROLOQUO2GO
PRICE
Summary
$249.00
•
1.
2.
Proloquo2Go has two
available vocabulary
sets that include:
Basic
Communication,
Content specific
vocabulary that
combines words and
phrases to generate
messages.
Core Word: novel
word based
vocabulary retrieval
set that uses core
and content words.
Pros
Cons
• Provide picture support for
emerging readers (i.e. Symbol
Sticks).
•
Can be customized on the
fly.
•
Can import symbol sticks or
real pictures using in app or
photo library.
•
Has scanning capabilities.
•
Hold time can be set, to
ignore repeated tapping.
•
Can be backed up to iTunes
or dropbox.
•
Keyboard with word
prediction.
•
Insert symbols with text
into the message window
•
Can change grammatical
endings to teach syntax.
•
Recent View tracks message
history.
•
Messages can be sent to
Facebook, Twitter, text
messages, email.
•
Good online support with
learning videos:
http:www.assistiveware.com
/ e-learning
•
•
•
•
•
Expensive
Vocabulary can be cumbersome
and difficult to navigate
through. Too many subcategories.
Difficult for some user to
navigate between Grid and
Typing (keyboard with Word
Prediction.
Visually confusing, only the
borders are color coded not
icons. Although, it can be
customized.
Editing is not as user friendly
as others. Hard to change
placement of icons.
PRICE
SUMMARY
$299.99
Word Power is a well known,
word-based vocabulary retrieval
set that uses both core and
content words that was created by
Nancy Inman.
PROS
• Includes high frequency core
words on the main page and
clear content words
categorized into groups.
• English and Spanish
vocabularies available
• predictable icon links to
grammatical endings.
• Icons automatic link to
predictable vocabulary (link
can be turned off).
• Provide picture supports
(Symbol Sets).
• Can import pictures from
photo library or take a
photo using in app camera.
• Icons can be programmed to
carry out functions (i.e. page
back,).
• Can use recorded speech.
• Customizing/Editing is user
friendly.
• Editing feature can be
turned off.
• Icon activation can be
controlled using dwell or
release feature.
• Hide and Show feature to
l
l
CONS
• Expensive
• Requires extensive page turning for vo
retrieval.
• symbols cannot be inserted with text in
message window for generated messa
• icloud backup is based on a annual s
fee.
Touch Chat with WordPower Vocabulary Sets
WordPower 42 Basic
LAMP Vocabulary Set
84 sequenced
WordPower 42
WordPower 80
LAMP Words for Life
PRICE
SUMMARY
PROS
$299.99
Lamp is a communication app
created by Prentke Romich
Company (PRC), who is one of the
top manufactures for AAC
devices. LAMP uses Unity as the
vocabulary retrieval set.
Unity is a word based vocabulary
retrieval set that using multimeaning icons to generate novel
messages aka semantic
compaction.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Generative word-based
vocabulary set that included
core and content words.
User does not have to be
literate. User develops a
motor plan to sequence
icons to retrieve vocabulary.
Faster than page turning.
Picture Support (Minspeak
icons)
Can customize on the fly
using Minspeak icons and
can import or take pictures in
the app.
Can turn editing on/off in the
app settings.
Hide and Show Mode to
target words relevant to an
activity.
Vocabulary builder to
generate word list to be used
in structured activities.
Word Finder to show symbol
sequence of unfamiliar
words.
iShare service for backups,
imports, and exports.
CV Assessment
CONS
• Expensive
• Sequencing is advanced
cognitive tasks that is
difficult for some users to
learn.
• Learning curve for
communication partners
and facilitators.
• Icons are less than a half
inch making it difficult for
users with visual deficits or
low vision to see.
• Does not have a dwell or
release feature to help
with accidental hits.
However, there is a key
guard available.
• cloud based backups
requires ishare annual
subscription
● Goal for AAC assessment is to determine the most efficient and
effective vocabulary retrieval set and AAC system for your student.
● Where to start? have the student complete a period of prescriptive
treatment using various cv retrieval sets and AAC systems.
● Facilitation technique: Aided Language Stimulation (i.e. Modeling)
should be use as the primary Facilitation Technique during the
period of prescriptive treatment.
CoreVocab13 CV Assessment
Principles for implementation
AAC Users may...
ުVocabulary Planners
ުhttps://sites.google.com/a/esc13.net/corevocab13/what-iscore-vocabulary
ުGeneral Language
Exhibit poor visual attention to display
Make random activations
Imitate facilitator with no communicative intent
ުhttps://sites.google.com/a/esc13.net/corevocab13/what-iscore-vocabulary
ALgs Basics
Only one facilitator is required
May be conducted with one or more students
Modeled message belongs to the facilitator
Facilitator does not expect student to generate
modeled message.
Modeling
Children will learn to use their AAC
system in the way partners model it.
ALgS: Engineered Environment
1.Prepare physical environment for materials and AAC
systems
2. Prepare facilitators and communication partners for
effective facilitation and communication style.
Facilitating Interactive
Communication in the
classroom to support AAC!
Ideas and tips we’ve learned along the way!
CoreVocab13 Implementation Ideas
Time to have some fun...
Facilitating Interactive Communication: in the classroom.
Some tips I’ve learned the hard way...
1: Find the Bright Spots
2: Find your hook
3: Get to know the staff
4. Get the conversation started at the beginning of the
year regarding ideas for communication groups to
support AAC users and to train staff. Staff input is key
for success.
5. Start with one activity and make a plan with a target
outcome.
Staff Training Ideas:
Implementation of AAC in the classroom
Campus SLP and classroom teacher come up with 1 daily classroom activity to “engineer”
and train staff on AAC facilitation strategies.
Two different ways the next step can be implemented: depends on the teacher
1.SLP would observe classroom teacher run the activity to learn the sequence and the
language used during the activity. Then SLP would added needed vocabulary to
students AAC systems and create a vocabulary planner for relevant message the
student could use during the activity and where it is located in the student's’ AAC
system.
2. SLP would be in charge of running the activity for the first couple of times, but the
goal would be to train the teacher so he/she can take over. The SLP would create
vocabulary planner and would customize students’ AAC systems prior to running the
activity.
Cooking activities
to facilitate
communicative AAC use!
CoreVocab13 Cooking
Once the activity is “engineered”, have staff participate in the daily classroom activity
using student's’ AAC system. Teaching staff to wait for direct verbal cues from primary
facilitator before pointing to relevant symbols/icons.
Facilitator's Roles
Facilitating AAC during a cooking activity
Crockett: Spring 2014:
Primary Facilitator:
• Establishes and runs the activity.
• Provides verbal cues.
• Creates communicative opportunities
Secondary Facilitator:
• Serves as the QUIET coach and/or communication role model.
• In charge of modeling or providing pointer cues in response to Primary
Facilitators verbal cues.
• Helps students recognize and respond to communication opportunities.
.
Social Communication Group
Ideas for increasing
Social Conversational
Skills with AAC Users!
Goal for Social Communication Group
-
to teach expressive and
receptive language skills needed for beginning AAC students how to
interact during social conversational exchanges with peers and campus school staff .
CoreVocab13 ToolKitSocial
Social Communication Group
Prepare the environment : Materials
Examples Socials Scripts
Anatomy of a Conversation
Student Questionnaires/ Interviews to get personal core vocabulary
words to add to each student's AAC system.
Printed and laminated paper copies for students without AAC systems
to use to participate
Created Lesson Plans with objectives for initially trainings.
Prepare the Environment: Equipment needed
Skype: AAC Mentors
Tapit: interactive whiteboard
:
Dynavox Compass Editing Software
with Communication Word Power
● AAC users don’t typically see other competent AAC users they can learn
from.
AAC Skype Group
Having Fun!
Leisure Activities to target CV.
● Skyping is a motivating and fun way for AAC users to interact across the
region and work on increasing social communication skills.
CoreVocab13 Toolkit: Games and Fun:
Cookie Doodle
Ideas for CV
implementation to support
Literacy Skills using AAC!
Awesome apps for supporting core vocabulary!
Able to choose a cookie to decorate or follow a step by step
recipe to make the cookies. Both are great for modeling
language with AAC users.
CoreVocab13 Toolkit: Reading
Toca Hair Salon Me
Unique Learning Systems
●
● Great to facilitate CV words!
○ one on one activity
○ group activity
● Students and Teachers LOVE this app!
Targets CV words, while teaching functional language and literacy skills.
Idea: Read books about working then use cv words to talk about the jobs .
CV Practice: Core Word Challenge
Deuling AAC devices
create flashcards of target CV words and
challenge students to see who can be the first
on find the target word in their device.
Pic Collage
● Great hook for practicing writing using core vocabulary words!
● Idea: Find motivating and relatable pictures for students to write
about:
○ school friends
○ field trips
○ objects of interest
Can also do this activity as a group or take turns.
Ideas for developing
writing skills using CV
words for AAC users!
Find your hook…
Ways to make it fun!
Book Creator
Book Creator” Features: add pictures, audio, video, and text.
Will open in ibooks, with working video and sound files.
Idea: Have students’ write about recent events or class field trips
using CV!
Can be a whole class activity!
Writing with CV :
Visual Poetry
●
Using Power Point and You Tube to create a fun writing activity.
Idea: use to target a specific part of speech with CV words
○ Idea: Have students give 3 adjectives that best describe them.
Writing:
How to incorporate CV
REFERENCES
Goossens’, 2013. Using Aided Language Stimulation to support AAC Language
& Literacy in the Classroom. cgoosens@me.com
Elder, 2003. Facilitation Techniques in Engineered Educational
Environments. pelder@ucpbham.com
Use Picture Symbols from AAC vocabulary sets as
visual writing support for sentence completion and
sentence generation.
Use no-tech Alphabet Board to increase students
nt s
phonics skills and to spell words that are not in student’s
AAC System.
CoreVocab13 Writing
Burkhart, Cafiero, Musselwhite, Sennott, 2010. Aided Language Stimulation:
Research to Practice. www.lburkhart.com
Musselwhite, 2014. iWRITE: Can iDevices SupportEmergent Writers?
APPSolutely!
www.aacintervention.com
http://aacgirls.blogspot.com/
http://spedapp2.wikispaces.com