Interpersonal communication is usually described as a process of exchanging information or messages from a sender to a receiver through a specific medium. Among humans, exchange of information is usually done by using language which is defined as a system of codes made of arbitrary signals governed by certain rules of use to represent concepts or ideas. Communicating using language can either be written or spoken. This process of continuous sending and receiving of information from encoders to decoders is much easier to imagine when those who are involved in the exchange are capable of using language. However, what about in certain instances when a person has problems communicating? For example, take the case of an 8-year-old girl who has cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia or a 45-year-old man who recently had a stroke which affected his ability to speak and move. They will not be able to move their lips, tongue or jaw to articulate words. They also will not be able to move their hands to write or type words. How, then, will they be able to communicate their needs such as to ask for help? Because of situations like these among people who are differently-abled, a new form of communication was developed. This recent development is commonly called Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), and it usually makes use additional components as aids or supporting devices.
AAC devices as a medium of communication are highly unique and individualized relative to the person who is going to use it. Unlike other mediums which are not particular to whoever wants to make use of it, the characteristics of AAC devices need to correspond to the limitations of the user. Going back to the girl with spastic cerebral palsy, she cannot make use of a device that will require for her to speak or write but she can use of her sight to select pictures that will represent her needs. Since she cannot use her hands to point to the pictures but she can move her head minimally, a laser penlight can be attached to her head to be used as a pointer. In the case of the man who had stroke but still retained his ability to spell words, instead of using pictures, a complete set of alphabet letters can be used as the components for him to choose from. For people who cannot see and speak but still retained their sense of hearing, devices that produce sound signals representing certain concepts can be used.
Aside from the devices being highly individualized, they should also be portable, durable, flexible and easy to use. A device which is big and heavy is not easy to carry and will be difficult to transfer from one place to another. Devices that are not portable are more of a limitation rather than an aid to those who use them. AAC devices should also be strong enough to sustain being used for a long time. Keeping on buying or making new AAC devices that easily break or get destroyed can be expensive and impractical. It is advantageous if a device can be upgraded or easily altered to suit the changes in the user's skills. For example, if a child progresses from using two words to using sentences to convey messages, the device should also be able to adapt to this development. Finally, devices should not be complicated. People who will use these device have limitations and too much unnecessary buttons or icons may just be confusing to them. If the device were compared to a written document, the term to be used is being “concise”. Also, it should be taken into consideration that these devices should be easy to manipulate because any more difficulty can be tedious for the user.
Nowadays, AAC devices range from those that are low-tech such as pictures that can be attached to boards using fasteners (e.g. Velcro) to those that utilize high-technology components such as laptops or portable PCs with access to the Internet. Several companies already market AAC devices but, if preferred, devices can still be made personally. It is understandable that some devices are quiet expensive especially those that make use of complex components which is why most individuals who have financial limitations opt to make their own devices. Those that are created personally, however, still need to be tested or observed for their effectiveness. Modifications can be later applied if the devices are found lacking in some ways.
The goal of using alternative and augmentative communication devices is to help a person achieve the natural way of communication through the use of aids. As their name suggests, these devices are just used to augment and as alternates and not to totally replace the natural and more ideal form of communication. Through the use of these device, professionals involved with rehabilitation still aim to help the person gain or regain the ability to communicate using language and speech.
Related Articles
Take your Faxing Needs to the Next Level
By: Jennifer Alinio | 04/07/2007 | Internet
f there is one thing constant where ever you are, what ever you do and that is how we communicate.
Telecommunication Breakthroughs
By: alexis | 24/08/2007 | Internet
The article is about the improvements of telecommunication and its positive effects in people's lives and the business sector. The world has become “flat” because of the fact that people in most parts of the world communicate without difficulty.
Touching the World Through Mobile Internet Faxing
By: alexis | 24/08/2007 | Internet
Because of these additional features, mobile phones are preferred by most people for the purpose of disseminating information. Web browsing qualities of mobile phones enabled it to perform Internet faxing. Internet faxing via mobile phones enabled its users to send and receive fax messages even in remote locations.
The Internet and Human Relationships
By: alexis | 12/09/2007 | Internet
The Internet became a tool for long distance relationships to flourish. Surprising a loved abroad with flowers became easier and cheaper because of the “net.” The network of online flower shops enables consumers to send flowers anywhere in the world.
Indispensable Inventions
By: alexis | 13/09/2007 | Internet
The modern world is continually evolving, people sought methods by which they can communicate faster, easier and better. The digital world is constantly offering us the best tools for communication and education.
Why Web Based Faxing is Better
By: Alex Ellorde | 28/09/2007 | Internet
The article provides a brief summary on the features and benefits of Internet faxing as an alternative and high-tech means of business communication. The article also delves into the importance of saving time in the conduct of business operations, and how Internet faxing allows company executives and staff maintain their edge in a very competitive business environment.
5 Tips to Select the Online Faxing
By: Gary Zivkovich | 03/07/2008 | Information Technology
The online faxing can save lots of money than the traditional faxing. It can reduce the cost of monthly faxing to 90 percent.
Online Fax Service - Understanding the Basics
By: Titus Hoskins | 24/07/2008 | Business
Using an online fax service can be beneficial for any company or business. Here are some of the basics for understanding how online faxing works and why you need it.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Internet Articles
5 Marketing Lessons From the 'king of Make-up' - Max Factor
By: Adam Urbanski | 21/08/2008
Did you know that Max Factor was a marketing genius? You won't believe the strategies he used to get the rich and famous clamor for his services and products. His strategies can be simply replicated in your business to attract all the new and repeat clients you want. Here is how...
Finding the Right Internet Home Business That is Uniquely You
By: John Baril | 20/08/2008
When you are determining what is the right Internet home business for yourself, you have an opportunity to shape that any way you want. This is especially true when you use affiliate marketing to make money on the Internet.
Top Five Reasons Why Reciprocal Link Requests Are Turned Down by Webmasters
By: Kanaga Siva | 20/08/2008
Reciprocal linking is one of the accepted methods adopted by webmasters to build traffic, increase link popularity and improve page rank. It is a known fact that in recent times search engines have begun to place more importance to one-way inbound link and consider it to be superior to a...
Using Autoresponder Software For Follow-Up Success
By: Neil R Morgan | 20/08/2008
It's well known that only a tiny percentage of your web site visitors will buy from you on their first (and possibly only) visit to your web site. The vast majority of your prospects simply forget about you and your web site and never return.
Can you imagine just how much...
Marketing Any Business on MySpace
By: Sean Dell | 20/08/2008
MySpace is now, and has been for some time, the hottest trend when it comes to social networking endeavors online for businesses. This international website plays host to millions of individuals! With that many people accessing the website, it only makes sense to take advantage of accessing those people. Best...
Why MySpace is Great For Your Business
By: Sean Dell | 20/08/2008
Are you one of the many businesses that have yet to discover the power of MySpace? If so, you could be missing on a an exciting opportunity to get your business noticed. Yes, MySpace is thought of us a "friend" type of network, however, it is also great for business...
Tips On Building Online Traffic
By: Larry Mccullough | 20/08/2008
Okay so you have a brilliant web site. You are a treasure house in the field of your expertise. You have placed your knowledge in your website. You have a great product and now you want to utilize the web media to advertise and launch it. Unfortunately though, after you...
Good Web Design Considerations
By: Paul J Egan | 20/08/2008
Your business is represented to the world online through your website. It's a brochure that any potential customer, anywhere and at any time can view and decide whether your company is the right one for them. Therefore it is of the upmost importance that your web site practices good web...
More from alexis
Working Out With Baby
By: alexis | 18/10/2007 | Health
It is important for pregnant women to maintain a low-impact exercise regimen to boost their mood, improve sleep, reduce aches and pains associated with pregnancy, strengthens muscles and builds endurance. This helps their body carry #the demands of pregnancy and childbirth with ease.
Every Breath We Take Should be Smoke-free
By: alexis | 15/10/2007 | Health
Many research and hard economic data have revealed that smoke-free laws do not harm sales or employment in restaurants and bars. All over the world, there is a concerted effort from different government agencies to enact laws due mainly to the overwhelming evidence that smoke-free laws protect the health of the general public without harming the business sector.
Attacks of Random Pain
By: alexis | 12/10/2007 | Health
Muscle cramps are among the many minor little annoyances or problems that a #person has to deal with on a daily basis. While not debilitating or entirely ###disruptive, they can sometimes come at critical moments, such as in the middle of ##an intense physical activity. There are multiple ways to alleviate the problem, with ##almost all of them being relatively simple tasks that can be done without the need ##of a doctor or anyone else.
Alcoholic Drinks and Health Issues
By: alexis | 04/10/2007 | Health
Alcohol is a depressant that can act as a sedative drug and may slow down the nervous system. In small doses, alcohol can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Alcohol however may do more harm than good if overused. Extremely #high doses of alcohol at one time can cause alcohol poisoning which can lead to coma or death.
Rock Stars, Music Icons, Alcohol, and Drug Overdose
By: alexis | 04/10/2007 | Health
The article talks about the unhealthy lifestyles of many music personalities. It says that many of them are involved in excessive use of alcohol and other banned substances. Furthermore, the adverse health effects of excessive use of alcohol and illegal drugs are stated.
When Body Snatchers Invade the Mind
By: alexis | 03/10/2007 | Health
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health problem that is closely related to schizophrenia and has similar symptoms. However, schizoaffective disorder is different in a few ways from schizophrenia, particularly because it can do much more emotional damage to the people around the patient. This disorder has only recently been recognized, but there are already several studies underwatyo better understand and treat the problem.
Cinnamon as Spice and Alternative Medicine
By: alexis | 03/10/2007 | Health
While cinnamon can give many health benefits and improve overall well-being. Cinnamon oil is also important in strengthening the immune system, its scent is used to treat early stages of cold and fever. Advice of medical specialists should be considered before trying cinnamon supplements and other forms of alternative medicine. Because side effects and interaction with other drugs may take place.
Parents, Brace Yourselves for Childhood Scoliosis
By: alexis | 25/09/2007 | Health
Childhood scoliosis is often misdiagnosed by parents. Surgical options for children with scoliosis are serious medical procedures, and this is a consideration parents will be required to make. Understanding the complex nature of scoliosis and the methods for early diagnosis will provide for a more effective treatment plan.
Internet 
