ERIC Number: ED508923
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 45
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Opening the Doors of Communication: How to Choose Communication Tools for Your Child with Disabilities. Fourth Edition
PACER Center
Communication is important to all people. Through gestures, body language, writing, facial expressions, speech, and other means, people are able to share their thoughts and ideas, build relationships, and express their needs. When they cannot communicate, their behavior, learning, and sociability can all suffer. Fortunately, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices offer a voice to people whose disabilities significantly affect their speech and language. Ranging from simple techniques to complicated devices, AAC includes everything from pointing to pictures, objects, or symbols to using technologies such as talking switches, communication devices, and computers. For children who do not speak, cannot speak clearly, or cannot express their ideas so others can understand them, these methods may help them develop language. This book contains the following sections: (1) Methods of Communication; (2) Expanding Communication; (3) Selecting an Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device (AAC); (4) Strategies for Implementing an AAC Device; (5) Resources for Symbol Systems and Communication Software; (6) AAC Web Sites; (7) Vendor Contact Information; and (8) Voice Output Communication Aids Comparison Chart.
Descriptors: Nonverbal Communication, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Assistive Technology, Hearing Impairments, Speech Impairments, Communication (Thought Transfer), Educational Resources, Children, Educational Technology
PACER Center. 8161 Normandale Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN 55437. Tel: 800-537-2237; Tel: 952-838-9000; Fax: 952-838-0199; e-mail: pacer@pacer.org; Web site: http://www.pacer.org
Publication Type: Books; Guides - General
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Parents
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: PACER Center
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A