ACC systems are communication supports that help individuals with impaired language, cognitive, motor, or speech domains maintain functional communication with others. According to Beukelman and Light (2020), the provision of AAC systems is accomplished in three stages: early, middle, and late. The content of the stages may vary depending on the degenerative disorder, but, irrespective of the disorder, the introduction of ACC systems has general features. In the early stage, the individuals’ speech and cognitive abilities are assessed, and assistance in performing daily activities is provided (Beukelman & Light, 2020).
If AAC supports are necessary, individuals and their caregivers are taught to use the systems. In the middle phase, the individuals’ AAC use patterns are assessed, along with their current and future capabilities and communication needs (Beukelman & Light, 2020). At the late stage, degenerative disorders often lead people to lose their speech functions so that they cannot meet their communication needs without external assistance. Therefore, at this stage, personalized ACC systems are fully implemented, and their positioning is adapted continuously to ensure that individuals can use them regardless of their location and position.
The use of AAC systems varies depending on the degenerative disorder. For example, in the early stage of ALS, the common choice is voice banking and message banking (Beukelman & Light, 2020). These systems are important for use at the early stages because they allow for recording the individual’s natural voice before considerable changes in speech occur. Afterward, the speech synthesizer will be able to reproduce the individual’s voice or prerecorded messages.
For disorders involving memory impairments, such as dementia, ACC tools include communication notebooks, visual scene displays, and memory books (Beukelman & Light, 2020). They are used at early stages because individuals with degenerative disorders can themselves determine which people, activities, and places should be included in these tools.
Reference
Beukelman, D. R. & Light, J. C. (2020). Augmentative and alternative communication: Supporting children and adults with complex communication needs (5th ed.). Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.