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1. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 AAC EBP Group
THE
EBP
EXTRAVAGANZA DAY
December 2006
2. AAC EBP Group, December 2006
3. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 Topics AAC Design
AAC and Dyspraxia
AAC Technology and Literacy
4. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 AAC System Design Special thanks for the contributions of Spastic Centre staff:
Alison Wu, Harriet Korner, Angela Kinsella-Ritter, Katherine Swinburn, Jenny Kidd and Hayley Smithers-Sheedy
5. AAC EBP Group, December 2006
6. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 Answerable question
What is the best practice for the layout / design in Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems for people who have a communication disability?
7. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 Results: 21 Articles
8. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 CAP: Light, J. & Drager, K. (2002) Objective:
To summarise what we know about young children & AAC Technology
To stimulate discussion for future research regarding design of AAC
technologies
Results:
AAC technology – high smile value (should be fun)
Integrated systems are favoured
For concrete concepts use of a scene layout is advantageous
Personally relevant schematic layout preferred
Insufficient evidence available to determine whether dynamic or
fixed displays more appropriate for young children This study was an unstructured literature review and commentary:
To summarise what we know about young children and AAC Technology
To stimulate discussion for future research regarding design of AAC Technologies
RESULTS
There is some evidence to support:
the idea of AAC Technology and AAC Design needing to have a high smile value (should be fun) if it is to engage young children
children show some preference for integrated systems e.g. something you can play with, use as a telephone and also use as a communication system
for concrete concepts use of graphic metaphor or scene layout has some advantages for young children. However more abstract concepts are difficult to display in this way.
of the five ways to group vocabulary: taxonomic (categories) , schematic (event schema), semantic / syntactic, alphabetic, idiosyncratic, young children generally have a preference for personally relevant schematic layout.
Currently insufficient evidence to know:
whether dynamic or fixed displays are more appropriate for young childrenThis study was an unstructured literature review and commentary:
To summarise what we know about young children and AAC Technology
To stimulate discussion for future research regarding design of AAC Technologies
RESULTS
There is some evidence to support:
the idea of AAC Technology and AAC Design needing to have a high smile value (should be fun) if it is to engage young children
children show some preference for integrated systems e.g. something you can play with, use as a telephone and also use as a communication system
for concrete concepts use of graphic metaphor or scene layout has some advantages for young children. However more abstract concepts are difficult to display in this way.
of the five ways to group vocabulary: taxonomic (categories) , schematic (event schema), semantic / syntactic, alphabetic, idiosyncratic, young children generally have a preference for personally relevant schematic layout.
Currently insufficient evidence to know:
whether dynamic or fixed displays are more appropriate for young children
9. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 CAP: Wilkinson, K. & Jagaroo, V. (2004) Objective:
To provide an overview of some of the considerations in visual
cognition that apply to AAC display design. To consider how design
properties can enhance / inhibit access and use of visual symbols.
Results:
Currently insufficient evidence to show that use of colour in AAC
design is advantageous.
Some evidence to support use of colour in natural scenes or schema as a memory cue.
In this case colour can be used to
provide segmentation of a visual scene
highlighting contrasts between objects
highlighting detail This paper takes the form of a non-structured literature review and commentary focussing on:
To provide an overview of some of the considerations in visual cognition that applies to AAC display design.
To consider how design properties can enhance / inhibit access and use of visual symbols.
Four key areas:
- grid vs schematic displays
- symbol location
- colour and contrast
symmetry and axial orientation
This paper takes the form of a non-structured literature review and commentary focussing on:
To provide an overview of some of the considerations in visual cognition that applies to AAC display design.
To consider how design properties can enhance / inhibit access and use of visual symbols.
Four key areas:
- grid vs schematic displays
- symbol location
- colour and contrast
symmetry and axial orientation
10. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 CAP: Drager, K., Light J., et al (2004) Objective:
To evaluate the performance of typically developing 3 year olds
locating vocabulary in AAC technologies within
grid layout with a menu of screen shots to represent alternate pages
contextual scene with a menu of screen shots to represent alternate pages
Results:
Initial transparency for all the technologies was poor.
On the second learning session children in the contextual scene group performed slightly better than children using the grid display.
Embedding language concepts within contextual scenes may be an effective approach for young children learning dynamic display technology.
Generalization of learning was minimal. To evaluate the performance of typically developing 3 year olds locating vocabulary in AAC technologies within
- grid layout with options on a menu page containing an array of screen shots to represent alternate pages
- a contextual scene with options on a menu page containing an array of screen shots to represent alternate pages
To consider learning with these different layouts and generalization.
Method:
The authors measured accuracy of ability to target items during learning, sessions and generalization (free play) sessions. The
assessors’ reliability was also assessed.
To evaluate the performance of typically developing 3 year olds locating vocabulary in AAC technologies within
- grid layout with options on a menu page containing an array of screen shots to represent alternate pages
- a contextual scene with options on a menu page containing an array of screen shots to represent alternate pages
To consider learning with these different layouts and generalization.
Method:
The authors measured accuracy of ability to target items during learning, sessions and generalization (free play) sessions. The
assessors’ reliability was also assessed.
11. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 CAP: Drager, K. et al (2003) Objective:
To evaluate performance of typically developing 2 1/2 year olds locating vocabulary
in AAC technologies within
grid format, vocabulary organised taxonomically
grid format, vocabulary organised schematically
vocabulary organised into a scene schematically
Results:
All organisations were difficult for children re dynamic display systems.
Whilst still finding it difficult children in the schematic scene group did significantly better that the children in the two groups with grid layout.
Of the grid layouts – there was no advantage in schematic organisation over taxonomic.
On average children did not show evidence of generalisation to novel vocabulary on any layout, and they demonstrated little use of AAC device during free play sessions Aim of the Study
To evaluate the performance of typically developing 2 1/2 year olds locating vocabulary in AAC technologies within
- grid format, vocabulary organised taxonomically
- grid format, vocabulary organised schematically
- vocabulary organised into a scene schematically
To consider learning with these different layouts and generalization.
Taxonomically: grouping similar things together eg transport
Method
10 children randomly assigned to the three conditions. During each learning
session (four in total) 12 vocabulary items were probed.
The authors measured accuracy of 2 ½ year old children’s ability to locate target
vocabulary items during learning sessions and generalization (free play) sessions.
The assessors’ reliability was also assessed.
Aim of the Study
To evaluate the performance of typically developing 2 1/2 year olds locating vocabulary in AAC technologies within
- grid format, vocabulary organised taxonomically
- grid format, vocabulary organised schematically
- vocabulary organised into a scene schematically
To consider learning with these different layouts and generalization.
Taxonomically: grouping similar things together eg transport
Method
10 children randomly assigned to the three conditions. During each learning
session (four in total) 12 vocabulary items were probed.
The authors measured accuracy of 2 ½ year old children’s ability to locate target
vocabulary items during learning sessions and generalization (free play) sessions.
The assessors’ reliability was also assessed.
12. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 CAP: Oxley, J. & Norris, J. (2000) Objective:
To identify some of the memory and memory strategy
issues implicated in VOCA use, particularly for school aged
children.
Results:
For young children some memory strategies may be appropriate to
use and may influence the layout and design of vocabulary on a
VOCA:
clustering, sorting and categorising vocabulary using age appropriate strategies e.g. thematic pages
non-specific markers and pictures e.g. a star or a colour marking to remind a child where a message is stored
picture markers together with elaboration e.g. a dog symbol next to a house symbol might have a message ‘this is my dog spot’ whereas a dog symbol next to a symbol for vet could have a message ‘last month my dog was sick’. This paper takes the form of a non-structured literature review and commentary focussing on:
- Memory strategies and their cognitive demands
Strategy development and associated error patterns
Memorization strategies applicable to VOCA use
Memory demands from VOCA use are high particularly for young children. A range of memory strategies are available that can assist with this – these need to be taught. Some memory strategies for layout and design were also highlighted that may be applicable to AAC design.
For young children some memory strategies may be appropriate to VOCA use and influence the layout and design of vocabulary:
clustering, sorting, categorizing vocabulary using age appropriate strategies e.g. thematic pages
non-specific markers and pictures e.g. a star or a colour marking to remind a child where a message is stored
picture markers together with elaboration e.g. a dog symbol next to a house symbol might have a message ‘this is my dog spot’ whereas a dog symbol next to a symbol for vet could have a message ‘last month my dog was sick’.This paper takes the form of a non-structured literature review and commentary focussing on:
- Memory strategies and their cognitive demands
Strategy development and associated error patterns
Memorization strategies applicable to VOCA use
Memory demands from VOCA use are high particularly for young children. A range of memory strategies are available that can assist with this – these need to be taught. Some memory strategies for layout and design were also highlighted that may be applicable to AAC design.
For young children some memory strategies may be appropriate to VOCA use and influence the layout and design of vocabulary:
clustering, sorting, categorizing vocabulary using age appropriate strategies e.g. thematic pages
non-specific markers and pictures e.g. a star or a colour marking to remind a child where a message is stored
picture markers together with elaboration e.g. a dog symbol next to a house symbol might have a message ‘this is my dog spot’ whereas a dog symbol next to a symbol for vet could have a message ‘last month my dog was sick’.
13. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 CAP: Hochstein, D. et al (2003) Objective
Assessment of performance in relation to single versus dual-level
display and consideration of performance in relation to type of vocab.
Results
More errors were made for abstract words than concrete, more errors made with dual-level system that single level.
If the clinical goal is for quick and proficient AAC it is suggested that a small vocabulary on a single level chart may be effective
If dual- level system is used extra training in category structure may help to reduce errors. Aim of the Study
To provide an initial examination of the usefulness of nomothetic research design within the field of communication device usage.
Intervention Investigated
Sample of 16 children, 8 who had CP and were familiar with single level AAC systems, 8 typically developing children with no experience with AAC.
Outcome Measures (Primary and Secondary)
Assessment of performance in relation to single versus dual-level display and consideration of performance in relation to vocabulary concreteness.
Results and Original Authors’ Conclusions
There was no difference in performance pattern between children with CP and other children.
More errors were made for abstract words than concrete, more errors made with dual-level system that single level.
Aim of the Study
To provide an initial examination of the usefulness of nomothetic research design within the field of communication device usage.
Intervention Investigated
Sample of 16 children, 8 who had CP and were familiar with single level AAC systems, 8 typically developing children with no experience with AAC.
Outcome Measures (Primary and Secondary)
Assessment of performance in relation to single versus dual-level display and consideration of performance in relation to vocabulary concreteness.
Results and Original Authors’ Conclusions
There was no difference in performance pattern between children with CP and other children.
More errors were made for abstract words than concrete, more errors made with dual-level system that single level.
14. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 AAC Design: clinical bottom line The search results yielded insufficient evidence to guide clinicians in regards to this question.
The level III and IV evidence found during the search suggested the following:
There is a need for the AAC system to be engaging and to be used for multiple purposes e.g. play, games and communication.
The use of schematic layout / contextual scenes (schema) design with personally relevant content for both dynamic and static displays may be useful.
Colour may be useful in designing AAC systems. In a natural scene or schematic layout – it may assist in segmentation, to highlight contrasts between objects or to highlight detail and as a means of cueing memory.
There is little evidence available to guide clinicians in the design and layout of AAC systems. The Grade B & C level evidence that is available provides some broad guidelines for consideration when designing AAC displays and systems for young children.
There is little evidence available to guide clinicians in the design and layout of AAC systems. The Grade B & C level evidence that is available provides some broad guidelines for consideration when designing AAC displays and systems for young children.
15. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 AAC Design: clinical bottom line
Location markers or use of specific and consistent placement of symbols in an AAC system may assist in providing a reminder or prompt
In the case of simple quick communication – it may be useful to use a small vocabulary on a single level chart.
The points highlighted above must be interpreted with caution as the level of evidence is not high. As highlighted in many of the articles there is a need for future research into the design and layout of AAC systems for young children.
16. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 Impact on clinical practice: Future CATS have commenced on:
The usefulness of AAC systems with schematic layout for adults or children who have communication disabilities
The use of core vs fringe vocabulary in relation to AAC design
Investigation as to whether use of colour / taxonomic layout makes it easier for the communication partner to find vocab therefore provide better modelling for the AAC user therefore provide more help to learn the system
17. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 Therapists in their everyday practice will trial the use of schematic layouts, as opposed to using more traditional grid layouts organised taxonomically. Therapists in their everyday practice will trial the use of schematic layouts, as opposed to using more traditional grid layouts organised taxonomically.
18. AAC EBP Group, December 2006
19. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 Need for research:
As the standard of research is not high in this area clinicians are encouraged to write up any case studies or simple research studies as these would contribute significantly to the evidence base.
Impact on clinical practice:
20. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 AAC & Dyspraxia (DAS) Special thanks for the contributions of all the members of AAC EBP Group
21. AAC EBP Group, December 2006
22. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 Answerable question
Is the use of AAC effective in facilitating communication in people who have dyspraxia / apraxia?
23. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 Results: 5 Articles
24. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 CAP: Lane, V & Samples, J.(1981) Objective:
This study investigated a group of four individuals
and their ability to use Bliss symbols as a technique
for facilitating communication and to learn Bliss in a
group setting
Results:
This paper found the effectiveness of using Bliss
symbols to facilitate communication was highly
individualised and time consuming.
25. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 CAP: Patte, C., Von Berg, S. & Ghezzi, P. (2006) Objective:
Single case study of a 57 year old female who has primary progressive
aphasia and apraxia of speech
Trialled both American Sign Language and use of a Text to Speech AAC system.
This study investigated the effect of the above on her communicative output
Results:
The results showed better performance in relation to ASL and this was reflected
in the participants preference for this form of AAC. This was a poorly designed
study.
26. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 AAC &DAS: clinical bottom line
The search results yielded insufficient evidence to guide clinicians in regards to this question.
27. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 Impact on clinical practice: Continue to use fundamental AAC practices with this population until more is known
Highlight this population as a key area for research
Write up case studies
28. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 NEXT TOPIC……………. Answerable question
Does use of AAC technology support the development of literacy skills?
29. AAC EBP Group, December 2006
30. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 THANK YOU
31. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 AAC design references Bredosian, J., Hoag, L. & McCoy, K. (2003). Relevance and speed of message delivery trade-offs in augmentative and alternative communication, Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 46 (4) 800
Downey, D., Daugherty, P., & Helt, S. (2004). Integrating AAC Into the Classroom: Low-tech strategies. The ASHA Leader (36) pp 6-7
Drager, K. (2003). The Performance of typically developing 2 ½ year olds on dynamic display AAC technologies with different system layouts and language organizatioins, Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing research, 46 (2) 298
Drager, K. (2004). Learning of Dynamic Display AAC Technologies by Typically Developing 3-Year-Olds: Effect of Different Layouts and Menu Approaches, Journal Of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 47 (5) 1133
Fallon, K., Light, J. & Achenbach, A. (2003). The Semantic Organization Patterns of Young Children: Implications for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 19 (2) 74-85
32. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 AAC design references Hochstein, D., McDaniel, M., Nettleton, S. & Neufeld, K. (2003). The fruitfulness of a nomothetic approach to investigating AAC: Comparing two speech encoding schemes across cerebral palsied and non-disabled children, American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 12 (1), 110
Hochstein, D.,McDaniel, M & Nettleton, S. (2004). Recognition of Vocabulary in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Comparison of Two Speech Coding Schemes, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 20 (2) 45-62
Hudson, P. (1979), Recommitment to the Fitzgerald Key, American Annals of the Deaf, 124 (3) 397-9
Light, J. & Drager, K, D. (2002), Improving the Design of Augmentative and Alternative Technologies for Young Children, Assitive Technology, 14, 17-32
Light, J. & Drager, K. (2005), R3: Improving AAC Technologies for Young Children with Significant Communication Disorders, http://www.aac-rerc.com/archive_aac-rerc/pages/ProjectSite/R3.htm Last accessed September 2005
33. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 AAC design references Light, J., Drager, K., McCarthy, J., Mellot, S., Millar, D., Parrish, C., Parsons, A., Rhoads, S., Ward, M. & Welliver, M. (2004). Performance of Typically Developing Four-and Five-Year-Old Children with AAC Systems using Different Language Organization Techniques, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 20 (2) 63-68
Light, J., Drager, K. & Nemser, J. (2004). Enhancing the Appeal of AAC Technologies for Young Children: Lessons from the Toy Manufacturers, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 20 (3) 137-149
Light, J. & Lindsay, P. (1991), Cognitive Science and Augmentative and Alternative Communication, (7), 186 – 202
Mizuko, M. (1987), Transparency and Ease of Learning of Symbols Represented by Blissymbols, PCS, and Picsyms, Augmentative and Alternative Communiction, 129-135
Mizuko, M., Reichle, J., Ratcliff, A. & Esser, J. (1994). Effects of Seclection Techniques and Array Sizes on Short-Term Visual Memory. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 10, 237-244.
34. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 AAC design references Oxley, J. & Norris, J. (2000). Children’s Use of Memory Strategies: Relevance to Voice Output Communication Aid Use, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 16 –94
Reichle, J., Dettling, E., Drager, K., Leiter, A. (2000), Comparison of Correct Responses and Response Latency for Fixed and Dynamic Displays: Performance of a Learner with Severe Developmental Disabilities, Augmentative and Alternative Communiction, 154-163
Schlegel, R., Spencer, R. & Whitbeck, C. (1988). Keyboard interface of a speech synthesizer for the physically handicapped, Applied Ergonomics, 19.1, 67-70
Sevcik, R.A., Romski, M.A. & Wilkinson, K.M. (1991). Roles of Graphic Symbols in the Language Acquisition Process for Persons with Severe Cognitive Disabilities. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 7, 161-170.
Stuart, S. (2000). Understanding the Storytelling of Older Adults for AAC System Design, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 16, 1-12
35. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 AAC design references Wilkinson, K. & Jagaroo, V. (2004), Contributions of Principles of Visual Cognitive Science to AAC System Display Design, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 20, (3) 123-136
36. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 AAC & DAS References Ballard, K., Granier, J. & Robin, D. (2000) Understanding the nature of apraxia of speech: Theory, analysis and treatment, Aphasiology, 14 (10), 969-995
Bornman, J., Alant, E. & Meiring, E. (2001) The use of a digital voice output device to facilitate language development in a child with developmental apraxia of speech: a case study, Disability and Rehabilitation, 23 (14), 623 - 634
Hall, P, K. (2000) A letter to the parent(s) of a child with Developmental Apraxia of Speech, Language, Speech and Hearing Services in Schools, 179
Lane, V & Samples, J.(1981) Facilitation Communication in adult apraxics: Application of Blissymbols in a group setting, Journal of Communication Disorders,14. 157 – 167
37. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 AAC & DAS References
Ogar, J., Slama, H., Dronkers, N., Amici, S. & Gorno-Tempini, M.L., 1985, Apraxia of Speech: An overview, Neurocase,11, 427-432
Pannbacker, M. 1988, Management Strategies for Developmental Apraxia of Speech: A review of literature, Journal of Communication Disorders, 21, 363-371
Patte, C., Von Berg, S. & Ghezzi, P. (2006), Effects of alternative communication on the communicative effectiveness of an individual with a progressive language disorder, International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 29:151–153
Sevcik, R.A., Romski, M.A. , & Adamson, L.B. (2004) Case Study: Research directions in augmentative and alternative communication for preschool children. Disability and Rehabilitation, 26 (21/22), 1232-1329
38. AAC EBP Group, December 2006 Wambaugh, J.L., (2002), A Summary of Treatments for Apraxia of Speech and Review of Replicated Approaches, Seminars in Speech and Language, Vol 23 (4) 293-308 AAC & DAS References