What should speech therapists, parents, and users consider when choosing augmentative communication equipment?

With so many new devices on the market, there are many things to consider.

The following tips are general guidelines to help individuals evaluate communication devices. While every person is different, these tips will apply to almost all users of communication aids.

1. Look for solutions that are easy to use. Computerized dynamic display screens allow individuals to compose messages using familiar methods which eliminates memorization of complicated codes and increases speed.
   
2. Choose portable devices. Portability allows nonspeaking individuals to take their "voices" anywhere.
   
3. Consider flexible devices. Look for devices that offer a variety of access options.
   
4. Require excellent voice quality. Sound projection and quality are obviously important. See if the voice output can be personalized.
   
5. Look for a device that "grows" with the user. Think about an individual's needs a few years down the road. Can vocabulary be added and used quickly? Can the person use vocabulary independently?
   
6. Choose durable, reliable devices. Can the device withstand the stress of daily usage? Look for reliability. Make sure the battery life lasts long enough to meet a user's needs.
   

These tips are courtesy of Closing The Gap & Sentient Systems Technology a supplier of advanced augmentative communications products for those with speech, learning and physical disabilities.

A helpful article describing various considerations in choosing and setting up an AAC device, and links to vendors is available at http://www.ace-centre.org.uk/html/publicat.html

A website, that can help you find augmentative communication technology to match your needs is http://www.rehabtool.com/.

(Winter 1997)