AAC, short for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, devices can be defined as communication methods that someone might use who has difficulty in speaking. Moreover, AAC embodies strategies to help and assist people with severe communication problems and disabilities to participate more fully in their interpersonal interactions, community activity, education and learning including other aspects of life. However, choosing the right alternative and augmentative communication device can be a daunting task, considering the fact that you have to take into account a number of factors for making the right decision.
Besides, purchasing the right AAC device is vital, as it gives the ability and power to communicate to someone who otherwise finds it hard to communicate using writing or speech. Read on to find out some useful tips to choose the right augmentative and alternative communication device.
1. Quick, effective and easy- When it comes to choosing an augmentative and alternative communication device, make sure you buy one that won't tire out or frustrate the user. Besides, you need to try out different products before finding the one that works best.
2. Keyboard-based vs. picture based- One of the major factors that you need to consider before choosing an AAC device is, understanding keyboard-based and picture-based devices. Moreover, a keyboard-based device requires the user to type on the physical keyboard that generates the speech directly from the text type. On the other hand, in a picture-based device, the user has to point to an image on the screen.
3. Device characteristics- It goes without saying, that when you are buyings an AAC device, make sure you familiarize yourself with the AAC device characteristics. Moreover, you have to take into account factors like how the device stores and retrieves messages, AAC accessories among others.
4. Easy to use- Without a doubt, most of our time will be spent at home, so make sure you choose a device that fits the family who will be using it.
5. Message and word prediction- Choosing an AAC device that correctly predicts the next word, efficiently completes a word, add the most common letter can be greatly helpful in enhancing the rate of communication.
While these were some of the tips and tricks to choose the right alternative and Augmentative Communication Device, there are many others, such as dynamic vs. static displays, cost-effective among many others. However, it is vital that you buy the AAC device from a reputable place. One of the recommended ones is Safe Care technologies. They offer a broad range of augmentative and alternative devices and assisted technology solutions for disabled, elderly, impaired among others. You can visit their website at safecaretechnologies.com.
