Question 1

Cultural background and practices as well as visual,motor and cognitive skills should be considered when selecting a symbol set or system for an AAC user.

Accepted Answer

It is important to consider the cultural background and practices of the AAC user in order to select a symbol set or system that is appropriate and meaningful for them. Visual, motor, and cognitive skills should also be taken into account to ensure that the AAC user can effectively and efficiently use the selected system. Failure to consider these factors can result in ineffective communication and frustration for the AAC user.

Question 2

AAC symbol sets do not have specified rules for expansion while AAC symbol systems do.

Accepted Answer

AAC symbol sets are simply collections of symbols, while AAC symbol systems include rules and strategies for using those symbols to communicate more effectively. Therefore, AAC symbol systems do have specified rules for expansion.

Question 3

The success of AAC depends on the matching of communication strategies to the needs of the individual and creating an environment that supports the use of AAC.

Accepted Answer

AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is a personalized approach to communication that involves matching the individual's abilities, needs, and preferences with a range of communication strategies that may involve the use of assistive technology, such as speech generating devices, communication boards, or pictorial symbols. To ensure successful communication, it is essential to tailor the AAC interventions to the individual's communication profile, address the barriers to communication, and create an inclusive and supportive environment that embraces AAC as a valid form of expression. Therefore, the success of AAC largely depends on a person-centered approach that accounts for the individual's goals, preferences, and communication environment.

Question 4

Bradley's communication goals include increasing functional use of AAC and increasing speech intelligibility.The two goals will

Accepted Answer

Increasing functional use of AAC and increasing speech intelligibility will not only expand Bradley's repertoire of communicative behaviors, but also help him become a multi-modal communicator, which will in turn widen his circle of contacts. Therefore, all the given options are correct.

Question 5

Scanning selection methods are preferable for individuals with limited motor abilities.

Accepted Answer

Scanning selection methods involve the use of a single switch or button to move through options, making it more accessible for individuals with limited motor abilities who may struggle with traditional methods of selecting options.

Question 6

Bradley's AAC system was designed to allow him the use of a pneumatic sip-and-puff switch to select symbols presented in a row-column array screen to communicate.Bradley's 'means to select' is referred to as

Accepted Answer

Bradley's system involves the use of a pneumatic sip-and-puff switch, which is an electronic device aiding his selection of symbols on the screen. Therefore, his means to select is electronically aided direct selection.  Unaided direct selection refers to a user physically selecting symbols without any external aids, while auditory and visual scanning selection involve the presentation of choices that are scanned by the user using either auditory or visual cues. Neither of these methods applies to Bradley's AAC system.

Question 7

American Sign Language may be viewed as an aided symbol set.

Accepted Answer

American Sign Language (ASL) is considered a natural language with its own syntax, grammar, and lexicon, not an aided symbol set. Aided symbol sets are tools used to assist communication, often involving pictures or symbols, whereas ASL is a complete language used by the deaf community.

Question 8

Benjamin was not making progress with achieving functional communication use of his AAC system.His choice of symbols to select referents was randomly made at best.His speech-language pathologist was at a loss about what to do next.He should

Accepted Answer

Examining visual acuity and perception is an important first step in troubleshooting problems with an AAC system. If the symbols are difficult to distinguish or there are too many on the array, this can impede progress in learning to use the system effectively. Once any perceptual issues have been addressed, the speech-language pathologist can then continue with behavioral training to teach matching the symbol to the referent. Dismissing Ben or placing him in a group session prematurely may not be appropriate solutions.

Question 9

Speech-language pathologists who engage in evidence-based AAC clinical practice

Accepted Answer

Evidence-based AAC clinical practice involves documenting changes in the communication abilities of AAC clients before and after treatment to assess the effectiveness of interventions. Comparing AAC users with persons without disabilities or waiting for randomized studies are not requirements for evidence-based practice.

Question 10

J has ALS.He requires an AAC system that

Accepted Answer

It is important that an AAC system is appropriate for Mr. J's physical and intellectual status, addresses his most pressing communicative concerns, and can adapt to his increasing needs for physical assistance with communication due to the progressive nature of ALS. Therefore, all of the above options are necessary considerations for Mr. J's AAC system. It is not appropriate to assume that an AAC system will not be beneficial for Mr. J's communication needs without first evaluating his individual situation.

Question 11

Assisting AAC users to communicate effectively with a small number of supportive individuals is an appropriate intervention goal.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Assisting AAC users to communicate effectively with...

Question 12

As the speech-language pathologist assigned to the brain and spinal cord injury unit for adolescents at the local children's hospital,you work with many,previously socially and physically active,teens suffering from acute brain injury secondary to motor vehicle accidents.

Accepted Answer

Stockpiling dedicated communication devices that are easily accessible and require little learning time is the best choice for patients who are hospitalized, as they don't require advanced training or a lot of effort to use. Such devices are also practical for use during the treatment process, and can potentially be utilized in community settings once patients go home. The other options listed may not be as feasible or practical for addressing immediate communication needs.

Question 13

To teach the scanning method of symbol selection

Accepted Answer

Starting with linear selection allows the user to learn the basics of scanning in a simpler, more straightforward manner. Progressing to row-column selection introduces a more complex method that can increase efficiency and speed once the user is comfortable with the scanning process.

Question 14

Augmentative communication strategies supplement residual speech,while alternative communication strategies replace speech.

Accepted Answer

Augmentative communication strategies are used to supplement residual speech, while alternative communication strategies are used when speech is completely replaced.

Question 15

Ideograms are real life pictures to be used on communication boards.

Accepted Answer

Ideograms are symbols that represent ideas or concepts, not real-life pictures used on communication boards.

Question 16

Amy's AAC system seemed to be a perfect fit.She had the knowledge of the symbol system to produce original utterances.She managed the direct selection device with ease and she was able to use the system to address most breakdowns in communication.Yet,Amy did not use her system often to interact in class,in the cafeteria or on the playground.Amy's overall communicative competence using AAC was limited because of a lack of

Accepted Answer

Amy may have the technical skills (operational competence) and knowledge of the symbol system (linguistic competence) required to use the AAC system effectively, but she is not utilizing it in various social situations. Social competence is crucial in AAC as it involves understanding the social aspects of communication and interacting appropriately in social contexts. Amy's lack of social competence is limiting her overall communicative competence. Strategic competence, which involves the ability to adjust and modify communication strategies based on the current communication context, may also be a contributing factor, but the given information doesn't provide enough evidence to choose this option.

Question 17

Bradley is a six-year old with spastic cerebral palsy characterized by quadriplegic hemiparesis,poor posture,and poor head control.His speech is characterized by severe spastic dsysarthria which makes him unintelligible to unfamiliar listeners 90% of the time.Bradley demonstrates the cognitive and academic skills of a first grader and he and his parents are anxious for him to be placed in a regular classroom.Bradley requires an AAC system that will allow him to communicate spontaneously with his teachers and peers.Based on Bradley's motor,cognitive,academic and social needs,the speech-language pathologist selects an

Accepted Answer

Bradley's severe spastic dysarthria makes him difficult to understand for unfamiliar listeners, so an unaided system such as sign language or gestures may not be effective. An aided symbol system such as a picture exchange communication system (PECS) or a speech-generating device (SGD) would be a better choice as they can help Bradley to communicate spontaneously with his teachers and peers. Additionally, given Bradley's poor posture and head control, an aided system that does not require fine motor control, such as a PECS or an eye-gaze system, may be more appropriate.

Question 18

Exemplary clinical practice promotes the concept of viewing AAC users as multi-modal communicators.

Accepted Answer

Exemplary clinical practice encourages the recognition of AAC users as multi-modal communicators, utilizing a range of communication modes and strategies, including both aided and unaided AAC systems, as well as vocalizations, gestures, and facial expressions. Recognizing the multi-modal communication abilities of AAC users can enable practitioners to design more effective and personalized intervention programs and support individuals in communicating more fully and effectively in a variety of settings.

Question 19

The purpose of communication for persons with disabilities differs from the purpose of communication for persons without disabilities.

Accepted Answer

The fundamental purpose of communication, which is to convey or exchange information, thoughts, and feelings, is the same for persons with and without disabilities. The methods or tools used for communication may differ based on individual needs, but the underlying purpose remains consistent across all individuals.

Question 20

AAC symbol sets represent abstract and concrete referents equally well,whereas AAC symbol systems do not.

Accepted Answer

AAC symbol sets represent abstract and concrete referents equally well, whereas AAC symbol systems may have limitations in representing certain abstract concepts or may not have symbols for some specific objects or actions.

Quiz 15: Augmentative and Alternative Communication