Communication

What is communication

Communication is simply the act of transferring information from one place to another. Any act in which a person receives information from another about their needs, wants, thoughts, ideas. Linguistic and non linguistic modes. 

Different ways we communicate

Communication can take many forms such as: speech, a shared glance, text, gestures, facial expressions, touch, sign language, symbols, pictures, speech-generating devices. When children act out or have a melt down it can mean many things such as hunger, frustration, boredom, excitement. 

Spoken or Verbal Communication: face-to-face, telephone, cellphone, radio or television and other media methods such as face time, Skype, messengers.

Non-Verbal Communication: body language, gestures, how we dress or act - even our scent.

Written Communication: letters, e-mails, texts, twitter, facebook, messengers, books, magazines, the Internet or via other media.

Visualizations: graphs, charts, maps, logos, billboards, video screens.

What is AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)?

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. We all use AAC when we make facial expressions or gestures, use symbols or pictures, or write.

Who is a typical user of AAC?

People with severe speech or language problems rely on AAC to supplement existing speech or replace speech that is not functional. AAC is used by those with a wide range of speech and language impairments, including congenital impairments such as cerebral palsy, intellectual impairment and autism, and acquired conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.Any person with a disability that makes it difficult for them to communicate may benefit from AAC. Some people need AAC only for a short time; others may use it throughout their lives. AAC allows an individual to express their needs and wants, and more fully participate in decisions that affect their lives.

What is 3 criteria for effective communication

Joint attention is the shared focus of two individuals on an object. It is achieved when one individual alerts another to an object by means of eye glazing, pointing or other verbal or non-verbal indications. An individual gazes at another individual, points to an object and then returns their gaze to the other individual.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_attention)

Communication partners should be patient, interested and comfortable with all methods of communication. They should try to understand impaired speech, make an effort to interpret signs and gestures. The should also engage in purposeful conversation rather than yes and no questions.  Communication partners should focus on the person or message rather than the user's technology or technique. (http://www.augcominc.com/newsletters/index.cfm/newsletter_22.pdf)

Common language has to be developed for almost any collaborative project to work. As soon as you have a team, instead of a person, communication becomes the cornerstone of everything you do. Pairing works much better once a common language is developed; without it, two people will sit together, but work independently. Once they develop a common language, a shared understanding, they work together, relying on each other’s strengths and compensating for each other’s weaknesses. That’s when you see the artifacts begin to go away and things get made, instead of just planned. (http://www.christianmanzella.com/complex-or-complicated-the-importance-of-developing-common-language/)

Different types of ACC