Comm Sciences & Disorders: Augmentative Communication

An introduction to development and selection of augmentative/alternative communication strategies and systems for persons with severe communication challenges. Prerequisite: Communication Sciences & Disorders Graduate student or Instructor permission.

Prereq: 9 hours in CMSI/CSD; CSD on-campus 2nd yr graduate students, Other students with instructor permission; Open to Degree and PACE students

This course is an introduction to development, selection, and implementation of augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) strategies and systems for persons with complex communication needs. Students will demonstrate competency in the following areas of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): 1. Awareness of the educational, vocational, and social needs of the individual with communication challenges and the importance of building a team to address AAC needs. 2. Understanding of family-centered practice and cultural diversity. 3. Knowledge of multi-component communication systems, including no-tech, light-tech, and high-tech systems. 4. Ability to identify individuals who would benefit from an AAC system. 5. An understanding of basic strategies, environmental considerations, tools, and materials used throughout the assessment and intervention process across the lifespan. 6. Basic understanding of proper seating/positioning and its effect on AAC users. 7. Knowledge of vocabulary selection, core vocabulary and development of language-based boards. 8. Knowledge of the process involved in seeking funding for AAC systems. 9. Familiarity with software for dedicated communication devices & apps to enhance communication and academic opportunities for AAC users. 10. Familiarity with the feature matching process for individual with complex communication needs. Students must be graduate standing within the communication sciences and disorders program. Class is held on Tuesday evenings from 5-7:45pm at Pomeroy Hall.

Per University policy regarding work required for a three-credit hour course, students should expect to spend 9-10 hours per week on this course. Three credits (9 hours/week) will be earned by attendance and participation in one class/week, completion of required readings, materials and activities prior to class, and assignments.

There will be weekly readings and materials and/or online resources to review, weekly class attendance, participation in discussions and activities, and completion of assignments. Assignments for this class include quizzes, team projects, lab nights, assessment plans, and final case studies.