| CODE | CMT3045 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Augmentative and Alternative Communication | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 2 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Communication Therapy | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit will provide information regarding assessment and intervention issues pertaining to the use of AAC systems across the life span. The focus will be on the practical application supplemented with relevant theoretical issues. Study-unit Aims: - To enhance students’ understanding of Augmentative and Alternative Communication means in terms of theory and available evidence. - To enhance students’ ability to apply this knowledge to intervention practices. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Demonstrate an understanding of practical and theoretical issues involved in the assessment of and intervention for individuals requiring an AAC system; - Demonstrate the ability to participate as part of a decision-making process regarding the selection and implementation of an AAC for the individual; - Facilitate the use of AAC systems by children and adults in their natural setting including education of peers and dealing with attitudes; - Identify common barriers affecting the implementation of AAC systems in everyday life. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Demonstrate knowledge in the area of AAC, communication characteristics and disability issues, together with intervention and application of AAC systems in everyday life and the role of the speech language pathologist in the set up of such systems; - Critically appraise the different AAC systems; - Devise intervention plans for AAC users by drawing on available theory. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Supplementary Readings - Publications: - Beukelman, D. R. & Mirenda, P. (2013) Augmentative and alternative communication: management of severe communication disorders in children and adults. P.H. Brookes Pub. Fourth Edition. - Beukelman, D. R. & Mirenda, P. (2005) Augmentative & alternative communication: supporting children & adults with complex communication needs. Paul H. Brookes Pub. Co. - Lloyd, L.L., Fuller, D.R., Arvidson, H.H. (1997) Augmentative and alternative communication: a handbook of principles and practices. Allyn and Bacon. Journal articles: - Biggs EE, Carter EW, Gustafson J. Efficacy of Peer Support Arrangements to Increase Peer Interaction and AAC Use. American Journal on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities . 2017;122(1):25-48. Abstract. - Rombouts E, Maes B, Zink I. Beliefs and habits: staff experiences with key word signing in special schools and group residential homes. AAC. 2017;33(2):87-96. - Clarke M, Soto G, Nelson K. Language learning, recasts, and interaction involving AAC: background and potential for intervention. AAC. 2017;33(1):42-50. - Mirenda P. Values, Practice, Science, and AAC. Research & Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities. 2017;42(1):33-41. - Deckers S, van Zaalen Y, van Balkom H, Verhoeven L. Core vocabulary of young children with Down syndrome. AAC. 2017;33(2):77-86. - Alzrayer NM, Banda DR, Koul R. Teaching children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities to perform multistep requesting using an iPad. AAC. 2017;33(2):65-76. - Sigurd Pilesjö M, Norén N. Teaching communication aid use in everyday conversation. Child Language Teaching and Therapy. 2017; on-line. - Lund SK, Quach W, Weissling K, McKelvey M, Dietz A. Assessment With Children Who Need Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Clinical Decisions of AAC Specialists. Language, Speech and Hearing Services in School . 2017;48(1):56-68. - Agius MM, Vance M. A Comparison of PECS and iPad to Teach Requesting to Pre-schoolers with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Augmentative & Alternative Communication. 2016;32(1). |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | May Agius Veronica Montanaro |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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