This is a valuable source of information and reference for the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in speech-language pathology. This handbook outlines the history and growth of the field from its beginnings a few decades ago to its current status as an integral element in the clinical and educational programs of individuals with severe communication disabilities. Legislation and funding opportunities which influence the provision of AAC services are presented and discussed along with current legal and ethical issues and future research needs. Speech pathologists, language and communication specialists and therapists.

A definitive textbook for students in speech-language pathology, audiology, and communication sciences and disorders, Principles and Practices in Augmentative and Alternative Communication offers students an introduction to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and prepares them for working with clients with complex communication needs. Editors Drs. Donald R. Fuller and Lyle L. Lloyd and their contributors provide a foundation for the development of assessment and intervention procedures and practices within the framework of the communication model and its major components: the means to represent, the means to select, and the means to transmit. Principles and Practices in Augmentative and Alternative Communication consists of five major units: An introduction to AAC, from its history to current practice An overview of AAC symbols and a comprehensive discussion of aided and unaided symbols A review of AAC technology The components of AAC assessment: principles, vocabulary, symbol selection, and the prescription of AAC technology AAC intervention: everything from the components of the intervention process to examples from specific cases and settings Included with the text are online supplemental materials for faculty use in the classroom. Students and professionals looking for a foundational textbook in the field of AAC will find Principles and Practices in Augmentative and Alternative Communication to be effective, contemporary, and practical.

The fourth edition of the foundational, widely adopted AAC textbook Augmentative and Alternative Communication is the definitive introduction to AAC processes, interventions, and technologies that help people best meet their daily communication needs. Future teachers, SLPs, OTs, PTs, and other professionals will prepare for their work in the field with critical new information on advancing literacy skills; conducting effective, culturally appropriate assessment and intervention; selecting AAC vocabulary tailored to individual needs; using new consumer technologies as affordable, nonstigmatizing communication devices; promoting social competence supporting language learning and development; providing effective support to beginning communicators; planning inclusive education services for students with complex communication needs; and improving the communication of people with specific developmental disabilities and acquired disabilities. An essential core text for tomorrow's professionals--and a key reference for in-service practitioners--this fourth edition prepares readers to support the communicative competence of children and adults with a wide range of complex needs.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Models and Applications, Second Edition describes augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) comprehensively and offers a framework for understanding how AAC intervention can be used in the process of communication. This textbook is intended to serve as the primary text for graduate-level courses in augmentative and alternative communication in speech-language pathology programs. It also serves as an essential resource for practicing clinicians. AAC is used by an ever-growing group of individuals of all ages, each with their own personal and communication needs. The book presents the various AAC interventions and teaches the prospective clinician which intervention may be effective depending on the needs, condition, and prognosis of the client. The text details how communication is shaped by internal and external factors and how communication affects social functioning. New to the Second Edition: * A revised introductory chapter reflecting recent changes in the field * Thoroughly updated chapters on technology, vocabulary, and assessment * Reorganization of the chapters for a more natural flow of information * New and revised artwork throughout including images, tables, and charts * New and expanded case studies covering different types of communicators, their needs, and AAC solutions Expanded coverage on the following topics: * The debate on core vocabulary and discussion of best practices * Perspectives and views from AAC users * Ethics in AAC service delivery * Research issues

Effective Augmentative and Alternative Communication Practices provides a user-friendly handbook for any school-based practitioner, whether you are a special education teacher, an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) consultant, assistive technology consultant, speech language pathologist, or occupational therapist. This highly practical book translates the AAC research into practice and explains the importance of the use of AAC strategies across settings. The handbook also provides school-based practitioners with resources to be used during the assessment, planning, and instructional process.

"Note this textbook consists of five major units with each unit housing a number of chapters related to a specific topic. The first unit is an introduction to AAC and presents general information (e.g., viewing AAC from various perspectives, terminological issues), a history of the field, the AAC model (with updated classifications of symbols and technology), professional concerns and issues, and finally, a chapter on developing more culturally responsive and equitable practice in AAC. The second unit introduces AAC symbols. It starts with an overview about AAC symbols in general and then proceeds to comprehensive discussions of aided AAC symbols followed by unaided symbols. The third unit discusses AAC technology without going into specific products. The first of the two chapters in this unit discusses the background, features, and principles of AAC technology while the second provides a discussion of technological applications the reader may consider as the field of assistive technology continues to evolve. The fourth unit presents the components of AAC assessment-general assessment principles, vocabulary selection, symbol selection, and finally, the prescription of AAC technology. The final unit is the largest of all the units and addresses AAC intervention. The chapters in this unit present the different components of the intervention process: (a) principles of intervention; (b) seating, positioning, and communication; (c) funding of speech generating devices; (d) intervention for persons with developmental disabilities; (e) using AAC as an approach to promote literacy; (f) communication-based approaches to the management of problem behavior; (g) intervention for persons with acquired disorders; (h) AAC in acute care settings; and finally, (i) AAC approaches for persons with sensory impairments. Lyle and I are confident the reader will find this textbook to be the authoritative compendium of the full breadth and depth of AAC"--