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Article 3. Quick and Dirty:
Using AAC in adult day programs.

Devices, symbols, communication boards, drawings and signs can transform a person from being one type of communicator (without language) into another (with language.) Adults with speech difficulties in day programs often rely on gestures, speech that only familiar partners can understand and less desirable ways of expressing their opinions and preferences. To realize the mission of the Skills Center, we had to offer a wider range of communication options and more communication opportunities on a consistent basis. If adults do not have access to language, they can never express their goals and aspirations.

1.Voice output communication devices. We had a Speak Easy, Message Mate, Walker- Talker, and Digivox. Other digitized devices could just as easily have been used. (See the March, 1994 issue of ACN for a list of available digitized voice output communication aids.) Devices were incorporated into each activity.

• Introduction. Before you begin, use a device to introduce yourself. ("Hello, my name is Sarah. What is your name?") Keep interacting with participants in this manner until they begin to perceive you as the "type of communicator" who uses a device. This takes awhile.

• Brainstorming. Program a carrier phrase into a device. ("The reason I come to Skills Center is____.") Offer the device to anyone who wants a try. Almost everyone is interested in getting his or her hands on equipment. For those who have difficulty speaking, be sure their supporter can follow up by offering choices, interpreting their speech and/or providing symbols.

• Role-playing. Supporters can record appropriate messages on the spot. "I would like to buy a plant." "How much is this?" "Can you send it to my house?" "Thank you for your help." We found VOCAs were very effective with our storekeepers.

2. Drawing. This AAC technique often is overlooked. During the first session, I made a drawing of food items next to each word. I am NO artist–a fact obvious to everyone! However, even poorly drawn representations help people with limited literacy skills. The addition of these "quick and dirty" (not very beautiful) representations had several benefits:

• Drawings help people understand and express ideas.
• Fewer people required support during prioritizing activities.
• More people could be reporters.
• People needed less assistance to give reports.
• Staff saw how quickly people were able to attach meaning to symbols when the context was meaningful and they were motivated.
• Participation increased when people were active and involved in what was going on.
• Everyone had fun thinking of what to draw. When an "artist" couldn't think of something to represent an idea/word, others helped.
• It was nice for those who drew to be appreciated for their talents. At least one client in each program could draw quite well.
• Everyone learned that "quick and dirty" symbols/drawings could be created and used on the spot. This meant they could be used throughout the day.

3. Use of multiple AAC techniques. Every activity legitimized that people use multiple modalities to communicate. Some AAC techniques work better than others, depending upon the context. For example, buying something in a store was easier to do with voice output. Solving interaction problems with peers was more efficiently worked out with gestures and speech.

In summary, people who have communication options and have partners who value what they have to say and know how to support them are on the path to expressing (and thereby realizing) their goals and aspirations.

This article appears in ACN Volume 7, # 3.

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