Augmentative and Alternative Communication in the Early Childhood Years
By Hanline, Mary Frances; Nunes, Débora; Worthy, M. Brandy; Beyond the Journal,Publication Date: July 2007
Overview of the selection and implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems for children at home and in early education settings. AAC systems are divided into (1) No technology, such as American Sign Language (ASL); (2) Low technology, non-electronic systems involving materials such as photographs, drawings, symbols and printed words mounted on boards or kept in books; and (3) High technology, including electronic communication boards and computerized speech synthesizers. Advice is given on developing an AAC system for a child through a collaborative team decision-making process involving family, educational and healthcare professionals and AAC technicians. Points are also offered on introducing AAC systems at home, in early-education settings and into the classroom, with emphasis on integrating it into ongoing daily activities and engaging family and classmates. A section on obtaining resources lists health insurance and Medicaid, community agencies, school systems, which can have AT services provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), and the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) for children under 3 whose family has no other sources of funding. A list of AAC Web resources is appended.
Published by: National Association for the Education of Young Children (Website:http://www.naeyc.org/)
Link to text: http://www.journal.naeyc.org/btj/200707/BTJCommunication.asp
