![]() ![]() Both tools incorporate accommodations for visual impairments. The Communication Matrix and the Functional Communication Profile are both excellent tools to evaluate total communication. There is a great need for more research on effectively measuring communication in children with visual impairments. Or the assessment relies on milestones only met with visual skills (e.g., eye contact, joint attention). On some tests, there is also a visual bias in the questions asked, for example, “When you see someone with their arms crossed and a frown on their face, what does that mean?” Without access to incidental learning and recognition of body language and emotive facial expressions, a learner with CVI will have a challenging time answering that question. Many speech and language tests include pictures, for example, abstract cartoons, which are often less accessible for children with CVI. There are many assessments available for SLPs to assess speech and language skills, but currently, there is a lack of appropriate assessments for learners with visual impairments. We have to look at all reports from the learner’s providers to design something matched to the learner’s skills and abilities. SLPs look at the functional vision assessment results, CVI-specific assessments (Roman’s CVI Range, Dutton’s Inventory, Tietjen’s 2D Image Assessment), and the Learning Media Assessment. How much is the learner able to understand? Can they follow one-step directions? Does the learner understand everything, but they just aren’t talking? Once the SLP completes a series of assessments and has a solid grasp on the learner’s communication skills, they start to pull in all the other factors, including motor and sensory skills (touch, hearing, vision). Assessment is critical in understanding how to design an AAC system and individualize an approach that fosters growth in communication skills.Ī Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) completes a thorough evaluation of a learner’s language skills, including an in-depth parent interview, observation, and direct assessment. We may not realize how often we communicate without talking.” Step 1: ASSESSMENTĮvery learner with CVI has unique needs. You use AAC when you write a note and pass it to a friend or coworker. You use AAC when you use facial expressions or gestures instead of talking. “AAC includes all of the ways we share our ideas and feelings without talking. High tech is where you see more dedicated, dynamic speech devices, such as Accent, iPads with communication apps like Proloquo2Go, and eye gaze systems. Mid-tech can consist of voice output switches, picture exchange communication books, or leveled speech-generating devices (e.g., GoTalk 9+). Low tech options can include a picture exchange communication system or making choices using whole objects or tangible symbols. Options for what AAC can look like fall on a broad continuum. There is no one-size-fits-all AAC system. AAC is any system that supports a child’s communication and is uniquely designed to fit the child’s needs and communication levels. Thoughtfully consider CVI visual behaviors and characteristicsĪAC stands for alternative and augmentative communication.Here are five essential steps to help teams and families find the best AAC system for a learner with CVI: Every child with CVI has their own unique needs, and therefore a whole-child, collaborative approach is paramount when designing an AAC system for a learner with CVI. Many parents ask: What Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system is right for children with CVI? There are no one-size-fits-all systems. The visual behaviors and characteristics of CVI must be considered at every turn when designing a communication system. That way AAC related messages don’t get lost among the spam in my e-mail.Many learners with CVI have complex communication needs. Have questions? The best way to reach me with any questions is via messaging on the OMazing Kids Facebook page. In-depth and up to date info about the features in Proloquo2Go are included in the Feature Matching Chart for the Top 12 Robust iOS Symbol-Based AAC Apps (available individually or as part of a three resource bundle). New FREE OMazing Kids AAC feature matching resource: “Comparison of AssistiveWare’s Proloquo2Go & Proloquo + Proloquo Coach AAC Apps”, ![]()
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