{"id":2741,"date":"2017-02-28T12:17:39","date_gmt":"2017-02-28T18:17:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/at3center.org\/?page_id=2741"},"modified":"2020-07-11T21:26:32","modified_gmt":"2020-07-12T02:26:32","slug":"speech-communication","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/exploreat.net\/at-discovery\/speech-communication\/","title":{"rendered":"Speech Communication"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t

What is\u00a0<\/strong>Assistive Technology for Speech\/Communication?<\/strong> Assistive Technology (AT) devices in this category are designed to assist people with speech disabilities with speaking and with face-to-face communication.These products include those that amplify voice in order for the person who cannot speak loudly to be sure her voice can be heard; products Including software which produce speech output (either synthesized or digitized); products that produce text output for individuals who cannot speak (but who are not hearing impaired), as well as peripherals used for mounting speech generating devices<\/p>\n

\"TwoWhen do I need to use them?<\/strong> People with speech communicate all of the time across all environments, so a person using AAC will need access to his AAC system\/device all of the time!<\/p>\n

Who needs AAC?<\/strong> Anyone who is not able to speak intelligibly whether face-to-face or long distances would benefit from AAC.\u00a0 This includes those who are born with disabilities affecting their speech (Ex. Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome), those with acquired disabilities (Ex. Traumatic Brain Injury, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Stroke), as well as those with temporary needs (Ex. Intubation during medical procedure prohibiting person from speaking).<\/p>\n

Why do people without speech not use AAC? <\/strong>Sometimes people are not aware of the tools available to assist people who have trouble communicating verbally.\u00a0 Speech pathologists get very little training on AAC, so they may not always know how to help match a person with a communication tool.\u00a0 Parents are sometimes scared that if their child uses an AAC device then they will not develop speech, and there are also misconceptions on how to pay for these communication tools (See Commonly Asked Questions for more information.).<\/p>\n\tSolutions for Persons with Speech\/Communication Needs:
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The links to solutions below are intended as examples only to give you an idea of the types of AT available. You may find more examples in the Resources section or by viewing the devices available for loan on the website of your state or territory AT program.<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\tLow Tech \/ No Tech Solutions for Speech\/Communication<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t

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  1. \"TwoConsider the environment \u2013 Individuals might need low-tech or no-tech solutions at times when their high-tech devices might not be needed: pencil and paper to pass notes during a meeting.<\/li>\n
  2. Consider the purpose \u2013 Low-tech or no-tech options can be great for persons who typically use speech but need extra support when a communication breakdown occurs. Pointing, gestures, and facial; single-message switches with levels that step through prerecorded sequential messages may be needed during tasks that require the same order of events repeated.<\/li>\n
  3. Common low-tech and no-tech AAC solutions for individuals:\n