AAC - Augmentative and Alternative Communication
AAC refers to using a form of communication to supplement or replace spoken and/or written words. AAC may include using signs/gestures, pictures, or an electronic device to help a person share his or her thoughts.
Aided Language Input
Communication partners model (point to/touch symbols) on an AAC system as they are speaking, so that learners experience how their AAC system can be used to communicate.
Aided Language Stimulation
A therapy technique where a communication partner points to/touches symbols on an AAC system as they are speaking so that learners experience how their AAC system can be used to communicate.
Assistive technology
Any item, piece of equipment, or system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Communicate
Thoughts, feelings, information about something is shared with another person by speaking, writing, sign language, body movement, AAC, etc.
Communication app
A communication application (app) is a program used on a tablet, such as an iPad, to support communication.
Complex communication needs (CCN)
A description used for a person who is not able to use speech as a primary means of communication and could benefit from AAC.
CoreScanner
The CoreScanner language system from PRC is one that directly addresses the unique needs of children who use switches to communicate and access language.
Core vocabulary
Approximately 300 words we use most often, in lots of different situations and activities. Core vocabulary accounts for up to 80% of what we say each day. Examples of core words include: I, you, like, give, want, go, more, good, finished, no, come, etc.
Core Word Starter Set
A Set of lesson plans that give access to a variety of activities based on the top 20 words that students typically begin using first.
Device, Speech Generating Device (SGD), Voice Output Communication Aid (VOCA), Talker
Electronic augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems used to supplement or replace speech or writing for individuals with severe speech impairments, enabling them to verbally communicate.
Direct Access
A method an individual uses to activate an AAC system. Direct methods of access include pressing, touching, pointing, eye tracking, or head tracking to choose or activate a key. Individuals with physical limitations may be able to point or type using a different part of their bodies such as a fist or toes instead of a finger, or point with their eyes or head position to choose symbols.
Dynamic display
A device where the display on the device can change, making it more versatile and offering a broader range of communicative options. For example, if a category is selected such as "pets", the display will change to show vocabulary dealing with pets.
Emergent
A communicator whose use of symbolic language is just beginning. Most utterances consist of one word.
Essence
Word-based language system on some of the PRC communication devices. The Essence language system combines spelling with word prediction and abbreviation expansion for expressing novel thoughts
Filters
Terms used to find specific content on the site such as specific grade levels, holidays or specific activities
Fringe vocabulary
The words specific to us and particular situations and activities. Examples of fringe words include: dog, pizza, dig, elevator, mountain, Aunt Claire, scissors, etc.
Gestures
Gestures are non-verbal movements used to convey a message (i.e., pointing, nodding head, waving). Children who have not developed verbal communication or have just a few words, may rely on gestures to communicate.
High-Tech AAC (High Tech)
An electronic computer-based AAC system with voice output that can be either dedicated (e.g., only used for communication) or computer-based (e.g., laptop computer, iPad, Tablets). Examples include Accent devices from PRC and NovaChat devices from Saltillo.
Indirect Access
Indirect access methods use scanning of icons or groups of icons to allow individuals to choose a word or phrase to communicate. Scanning allows individuals with severe physical limitations to activate either a single switch or a number of switches connected to the communication aid or computer to produce messages using voice output. The person selects what they want to say by activating the switch to control a moving cursor on the screen.
LAMP Words for Life
Designed for people with autism learning to communicate with AAC, the LAMP Words for Life language system is a full language program that combines the power of PRC’s Unity language system with Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) principles and strategies.
Language Screener
A tool that allows users to quickly assess the stage of language that their student is in and how to determine when they are ready to move forward to the next stage.
Language Stages
The “Stages” that form the foundation of the AAC Language Lab are a compilation of information on language development gathered from a vast number of re-sources, and organized in a single chart of teachable segments, called Stages.
Low-Tech AAC (Low Tech)
An object or paper AAC system designed for communication, such as a manual communication board or Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).
Manual Board
Low-tech representation of a communication device. Manual boards can be used as a back up system of communication or to model vocabulary for a student.
Mid-Tech AAC (Mid Tech)
Equipment that has an electronic component but not a full computer, such as a button or grid of buttons that can be recorded with messages. Examples include the GoTalk from AbleNet.
Modeling
The communication partner points to/touches symbols on an AAC system as they are speaking, so that learners experience how their AAC system can be used to communicate.
Morphemes
The smallest units of meaning. This includes prefixes and suffixes.
Morphology
The study of morphemes, the smallest unit of meaning.
Motor Learning
The process of acquiring a skill by which the learner, through practice and assimilation, refines and makes automatic the desired movement.
Motor planning
When the same movement is repeated and practiced, an internal map or plan is created so the movement can be performed automatically. This allows movements to be performed accurately and efficiently with little or no cognitive effort. Skilled piano players can play a song without looking at the placement of their fingers or thinking about what notes to play. On a speech generating device, when the same motor movement consistently produces the same word, individuals can say a word without having to consciously think, allowing the effort to be directed to the conversation rather than accessing the device.
News 2 You
Weekly newspaper of current event lessons by the N2Y company used in many classrooms
No-Tech
Language systems that do not require anything beyond the user’s body, such as signs or gestures.
Partner- Augmented Input (PAI)
The communication partner points to/touches symbols on an AAC system as they are speaking, so that learners experience how their AAC system can be used to communicate.
PASS
The PASS software download allows you to run the various language configurations (i.e. Unity, UNIDAD, CoreScanner, LAMP Words for Life, WordPower, Essence) on your computer, all without having to use a device.
Realize Language
Realize Language is an online service that gives ways to monitor, measure, and maximize a student’s use of a communication device
Remote Coaching and Virtual Coaching
Using an online application (e.g., Skype), provide AAC support, information, and development of partner skills. The process includes identifying a need or goal, learning strategies to address the goal, and improving practices and making adaptations until the need is met.
Sign Language
American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, complex language that uses signs made by moving the hands combined with facial expressions and postures of the body. It is the primary language of many North Americans who are deaf and is one of several communication options used by people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing or individuals with difficulty communicating.
Smart Charts
Visual representation of icon sequences used to represent various vocabulary words. Smart charts are organized by language system and key configuration.
Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Some SLPs support the use of AAC systems for individuals with severe expressive and/or language comprehension disorders.
Static display
A static AAC system has a fixed set or grid of choices or icons. An example of this could be what is commonly referred to as a “choice board.”
Symbols
A graphic representation of words, phrases, or expressions used to convey messages. There are many different symbol sets including the alphabet, picture-like graphics, or combinations of different elements or forms to depict meanings. For people who cannot read or write, the ability to represent messages with symbols is central to communication.
UK
Materials on the Lab whose content will be relevant for students from the United Kingdom including England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland.
UNIDAD
The UNIDAD language system is a bilingual option designed to provide access to complete English and Spanish language systems within an AAC device.
Unique Learning System
The Unique Learning System is a one-of-a-kind program designed specifically to give students with complex learning needs meaningful access to the general education curriculum.
Unity
Language system on some of the PRC communication devices. The Unity language system is the original core word system that provides maximum flexibility, as well as communication and educational supports.
WordPower and Picture WordPower
WordPower is a word-based generative language system that combines core vocabulary and spelling with grammar and spelling prediction. It facilitates fast, efficient communication for nonspeaking individuals in a short period of time.
