Language
Country/Area
No result found
The secrets hidden in AAC technology: What nonverbal communication methods do you know?
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a method of communication used to augment or replace spoken or written language, particularly for those who have difficulty producing or understanding language. AAC can not only help people with congenital disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, autism and intellectual disabilities, but also assist people with acquired disabilities, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. With the advancement and development of technology, the forms of AAC have become more diverse. Especially in specific social and cultural contexts, the use of AAC makes up for the shortcomings of oral expression and allows each user to express themselves freely.
Human communication is not limited to language; body language and other non-verbal signals also play a key role.
AAC technology can be divided into two categories: "unassisted" and "assisted". Unassisted AAC methods do not require any tools and may include facial expressions, sounds, gestures, and sign language, while assisted methods may include communication books, notebooks, or speech-generating devices. Users can recycle different non-verbal communication methods to achieve communication goals according to their own needs. In this case, individual movements, eye contact, and social data all demonstrate the diversity and richness of communication.
As AAC becomes more common, more individuals are finding ways to connect with others and maintain social relationships even in the face of barriers.
Looking back at the history of AAC, it originated in the 1950s. As society's attention to and acceptance of people with disabilities gradually increased, AAC technology also evolved. In the 1970s, the use of various communication methods such as sign language and graphic symbols became increasingly popular, and for those who needed it, AAC was no longer limited to therapy but a way of life. Take Stephen Hawking as an example. He overcame his communication barriers through a speech-generating device, and is active in the scientific community and influencing the world.
AAC has a wide range of applications. According to one study, 0.1% to 1.5% of the population may benefit from AAC, especially in some countries or certain age groups. Young people may need high-tech AAC more often. . While the cost and access to AAC technology varies, its potential is limitless, as evidenced by the many literary and film works created by AAC users that have given the world a whole new perspective.
People have different needs and use cases, and AAC offers different options: from low-tech to high-tech, each method can help different users meet their communication needs.
AAC users include people with a variety of speech disabilities who use different tools and technologies to communicate. These tools may be very basic communication boards or advanced devices with integrated speech synthesis capabilities. The development of these technologies has enabled many users to further enhance the effectiveness of their communication and expression through their own abilities, thereby increasing social activity. Yet, even with the incredible conveniences that high-tech AAC devices offer, low-tech systems are sometimes viewed as a more reliable backup option.
Symbols also play an indispensable role in the AAC system. Symbols are usually in the form of images that represent objects, actions, and concepts. These symbols can be physical objects, photographs, line drawings, or words. With the help of these symbols, users can better express their needs and thoughts. For some users with limited vision or significant intellectual disabilities, the design of tactile symbols makes communication more direct and simple.
As technology continues to evolve and mature, AAC options are becoming more diverse, allowing users to interact with the world in a variety of ways.
Understanding the use of AAC not only allows users to gain freedom, but also requires society to provide more support and acceptance to promote the integration of this group. Culture and family values and beliefs are important factors that influence the selection and use of AAC. During the evaluation and implementation of the AAC system, it is necessary to deeply consider the user's motor, visual, cognitive and language abilities, and tailor a solution for each user.
Finally, faced with the many complex operating mechanisms in this field, we can't help but ask: In this society that increasingly values non-verbal communication, how can we further promote the popularization and application of AAC technology?
