Welcome to Dialog, the DynaVox online community for users of augmented communication devices, as well as their family members, care givers, and the professionals that teach and support them. Ask questions, share ideas, offer support or simply talk to others in the AAC community.
You will need to register in order to post, but you will not need to log in to read others’ questions and comments. DynaVox team members will moderate the site, but our posts will be limited. The site is about you and building links within your community.
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Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/3/2008
Posts: 9
Points: 27
Location: California
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Hi everybody,
As Tasha continues to do a great job in monitoring this open dialog, I would like to start a new topic of discussion called making AAC a success. It is a huge issue because many individuals that have been nonverbal since birth or early childhood don't miss the ability to communicate because they have never done so. It is like a person's inability to walk all his her life. What we have never done, we don't miss. Correct? However, the ability to communicate changes lives.
Over the next few days or weeks, I will share strategies in making AAC a success. Before I do, however, I would like to hear your stories about being introduced to a speaking device with either a success or even a failure. As Tasha always says, "Speak openly". That is how we learn.
Until next time,
Rick Hohn,
AAC Consultant for DynaVox Technologies
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 12/5/2007
Posts: 92
Points: 276
Location: Texas
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Hi Rick,
I was first introduced to AAC in high school, when I was enrolled in Spanish class. I had an 82 average, or a B, in all of the written assisngments. I was not aware until the end of the first grading period that I was receiving all zeroes for the oral daily work and exams. In essence, there was no way I could pass the class. There was a meeting called and my mother was told that "I ought to be in special education and would not receive special treatment". However, the device was $5000 and that was way out of my family's budget. It might as well as been a million dollars.Therefore, I failed a semester of Spanish.
So, thats my first AAC experience.
Speak Openly!
Tasha Shoffner
DynaVox Consumer Representative
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Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/3/2008
Posts: 9
Points: 27
Location: California
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Hi Tasha,
It is a shame that your oral communication was prevented by the lack of money. This has been the case of many individuals. Thankfully, money isn't as much of an issue any more with funding available.
I am going to open a whole can of worms. I bet that the issue now to make AAC a success is parents' resistance to having devices in front of their children. Parents want their kids to appear as normal as possible.
Although I could type on a typewriter with a head pointer, my dad refused to let me wear my pointer to point at a low-tech word board in public. This went on for 20 years or so.
Therefore, the question has to be raised "What can be done to erase this attitude barrier to get parents to think that their children's ability to communicate is more important than their appearance." How can we help them get over this barrier? Anyone?
Thoughtfully,
Rick Hohn,
AAC Consultant for DynaVoxx Technologies
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Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/3/2008
Posts: 9
Points: 27
Location: California
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Hi everybody,
Here is another tip on how to make AAC a success: Believe in the ability to communicate.
Increasing confidence by challenging a beginning AAC user to use a system is essential.
The question should be asked, “Does the consumer feel challenged to climb to his or her fullest potential?“
Both the AAC user and the professional should set realistic but high goals. Placing a person in a status quo according to one’s disability isn’t acceptable.
Who has been a victim like myself in having professionals set low goals for you? How did you break this barrier? Anyone?
Think deeply,
Rick Hohn,
AAC Consultant for DynaVox Technologies
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Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/3/2008
Posts: 9
Points: 27
Location: California
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Hi everybody,
I find it hard to believe that nobody has been in a status quo because people has limited you according to a disability. Before giving another tip on how to make AAC a success, I would like to hear your stories on feeling limited. It doesn't have to be about AAC. How did you overcome this barrier?
For me, it was being stuck in traditional therapy way back in my grade school years. Therapists tried to get me to use my hands to no avail. Finally, my dad made a head pointer that I learned to type with at 15 years of age. I climbed 10 grades in three years.
What are your stories?
Anxiously waiting,
Rick Hohn,
AAC Consultant for DynaVox Technologies
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