Process of AAC Selection

After Assessment: 

There will likely be a lot of data and information that helps to provide important information about the AAC user.  

This will likely be a combination of scores and results (this will have been derived from any direct assessment methods) and written data (indirect assessment methods).  

Every individual is different and has different needs, so some of these considerations may not apply to every person. There is a lot of information that can be gathered, so a collaborative approach between the family/whanau and relevant professionals is necessary. The aim of this whole process is to gather as much information as needed to help inform any decisions made.  

The practitioner will be able to interpret the results using statistical analysis and interpretation. The results should be explained to the family/whānau to ensure they are kept in the loop about what the results mean. This can also be a great opportunity for the family/whānau to clarify results that they are unsure of, ask questions and seek to better understand the individual. 

With the information gathered, there should now be a clear understanding of the individual’s needs, goals, strengths, skills, and preferences. At this time, interpretation of the results should be undertaken and the process of implementing and trialling AAC systems can begin. 

Below is an example of how this process may look. Please note that this is just a guideline, and this will vary for each individual case as different AAC systems and different individuals may require variations to the process. 

Step 1.  

Practitioners analyse the results to get an understanding of individual, family/whānau, lifestyle, medical and other needs. This may also include analysis of any results from previous trialling of AAC systems, including any trialling during modality sampling. 

Step 2.  

Collaboration between practitioners, family/whānau and other necessary parties to discuss the results of the assessment and clarify any questions, problems or concerns. At this stage possible AAC strategies, techniques, devices and interventions are identified, and the necessary parties will discuss and choose a system to try.  

Step 3. 

Determine some options of AAC systems to try. Decide whether to try one-at-a-time or multiple at the same time. 
-  Put a plan in place for how long you will try each form for. Schedule a time for a check-in of how the AAC introduction has been going. This is important to determine whether you are seeing success behaviours or not, and to decide whether to continue with this form of AAC or try another one.  

- Some AAC systems can be altered slightly to best ensure the needs of the individual are being met. This may be implemented at this stage or integrated later on when needs arise. 

-  Decide what success behaviours you will hope to see if it is working. For example, increased engagement with the device, noticeable increase in the individual communicating with others, noticeable positive behaviour changes (such as increased happiness when communicating, relief at ease of being understood) or noticeable negative behaviour changes (such as a decrease in frustration at not being understood, acting out of stress or anger when trying to communicate).  

Step 4.  

Try the AAC for the predetermined amount of time. Provide support to the individual so that they are being encouraged to use the AAC consistently, continuously and with regard to their own needs. At this time, the family/whānau should also be supported to encourage the consistent and accurate use of the AAC, and the practitioner or professional team should be available to answer questions and provide insight should the need arise.  

Step 5. 

Check-in at the predetermined time.  

Go over the goals and see whether there has been satisfactory progress made.  

If the success criteria are not being met, analyse what is occurring and see if there are steps that can be taken now to alter the process.  

Ask questions, create new goals or adapt the previous goals based on what you're seeing. 

Create a plan and next steps for moving forward. 

Selecting an AAC system can seem a very daunting task as there are many options and the process of deciding which system is the best fit can be ongoing. However, here are some key things to keep in mind: 

1. All decisions should be made with the best interest and goals of the individual in mind. The purpose of using an AAC system is to support them in their communication needs. 

2. Collaboration between the practitioners, family/whānau and other necessary parties is an important part of the process and will give the best chance of positive outcomes.  

3. Not all considerations listed above will apply to all individuals. The assessment process can and should be tailored to their needs.  

4. Many individuals will use more than one AAC system throughout their life as their goals and needs change.