AAC Profile Overview

The Augementative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Profile - A Continuum of Learning (Kovach, 2009) tool/instrument was designed for people between 2-0 to 21-11.听

This profile can be used with adults who have complex communication needs (CCN) and use AAC systems, but do not have acquired communication disorders.听
The profile is not specific to a disorder, severity, or setting.听
The competence of communication partners is also considered in this assessment tool.听
This assessment tool includes a manual and protocol for scoring. It can be used for initial AAC assessments or as a progress-monitoring tool (i.e., during a re-evaluation or after implementation of intervention strategies). It is used to measure functional skills that are needed to develop communicative competence using AAC systems.鈥�

There are four areas of learning in which competence is considered:鈥�

Operational (function)听
- Operational competence refers to the technical skills used to operate an AAC system, including the ability to access the system effectively for communication. 听
Linguistic (receptive and expressive language)听
- Receptive and expressive language skills used in the home and community, the knowledge and use of the language "code" of the AAC system, and the ability to attend to both during a communicative interaction.听
Social (relating to others)听
- Skills needed for social communication including the individual's self-image as a communicator and the desire to communicate reciprocally with others.听
Strategic (multiple modes of communication)听
- Knowledge of what can be communicated and how best to communicate it as well as the development of compensatory strategies for effective communication.听

There are five skill set levels in each learning area. These represent a hierarchical continuum of communication abilities. Materials include . Natural activities that clients enjoy are used to engage them in communication.

Quantitative and qualitative information is obtained from this assessment instrument.听

Determine current skill set level and desired skill set level for individuals who use AAC systems and their communication partners. Identify areas of strength and those that need intervention and instruction.听
Skill Set Level 1: AAC system is used in a basic, functional manner. 听
Skill Set Level 5: Individual has demonstrated mastery of the AAC system.听
Determine functional, long-range outcomes and the steps toward achieving them.听
Compare individual performance over time toward desired outcomes.听
Identify ways that AAC support team members can define and coordinate their roles for intervention and instruction programs.听
Identify and provide optimal learning environments.听

The frequency an individual demonstrates the skills/behaviors are rated on a 3, 2, 1 scale:听

3 = Frequently鈥�
2 = Sometimes听
1 = Seldom鈥�

Based on how frequently skills are used, the support team determines a communicative competence level.

When most indicators in a skill set level in each learning area are scored as 3, that is the client's current skill set level. 听
When most indicators in a skill set level in each area of learning are assigned a 1 or 2, that is the client's desired skill set level.听

麻豆影院

Search

AAC Profile Overview