Definition: Augmentative communication is an alternative way to help students and adults with language disorders use expressive language or receptive language. Augmentative communication can be accomplished through assistive technology devices such as computers or hand held devices. Low technology such as picture communication systems can also be used as augmentative communication.
Augmentative communication is most often used with students and adults who have significant disabilities impacting language or those who do not have the ability to speak. Severe language disabilities may include:
- Learning disabilities in listening comprehension;
- Learning disabilities in oral expression;
- Autism;
- Communication disorders;
- Developmental delays in communication;
- Apraxia;
- Auditory processing disorders;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Mental retardation; (The term mental retardation, although still used, is considered negative. Many parents and disability advocates prefer the term mental disability and "person first" language.)
- Deafness and hardness of hearing;
- Selective mutism;
- Aphasia and
- Senior citizens with health issues or language disorders.
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Also Known As: supplemental communication, alternative communication, /a/05_autism_rx_2.htm]functional communication, assisted communication, facilitated communication
Examples:
Examples of augmentative communication devices include the Mayer-Johnson systems, DynaVox and the Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS).
