1

Goals:
1. C.A will be able to answer questions about topic of his interest in 4-5 word sentences
using an AAC device in 8 out of 10 trials
2. C.A will be able to maintain conversation on family home telephone for one minute using
AAC device in 8 out of 10 trials
3. C.A will be able to request for desired items in 4-5 word sentences in the house using
AAC device in 8 out of 10 trials

Rationale:

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies have provided support for
people with aphasia who cannot have their needs met while using natural speech alone (Wallace,
et al., 2014). A multimodal communication approach must be used because it focuses on
teaching multiple communication strategies when there are communication breakdowns. Since
C.A can communicate verbally, and use gestures his device will not contain core words
(Wallace, et al, 2014). High-tech AAC devices allow individuals with aphasia to functionally
communicate across settings. C.A will be trialing a high-tech AAC device that will convey
content on dynamic screens to display fringe or personally relevant and contextually rich digital
images (Fried-Oken, et al., 2012). The presence of text with images plays an important role in
facilitating improved communication for people with aphasia (Dietz, et al., 2014). During the
evaluation with C.A, he often used pen and pencil to express himself. The AAC trial device will
include a keyboard strategy that provides speech output and predictive text that can be used to
improve expression of ideas and easier communication with a partner across settings when pen
and paper is not available (Dietz, et al., 2014). Screens will be organized taxonomically. The
AAC device will be categorized into visual scene displays of personally relevant images that
contain carrier phrases to aid in word finding difficulties during communication and increase
sentence lengths. (Fried-Oken, et al., 2012).
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Main Screen

Keyboard Screen with Predictive Text

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My Family Screen
When members of C.A’ family are clicked on, text will appear and he will have the option for the text to
be played. Here is an example of some text that would be included:

My son’s name is Eric. He is 30

years old. His wife’s name is
Janet.

My wife’s name is Claire. We have

been married for 35 years.

I have a grandson named

Brandon and a granddaughter
named Alexis.

Yankees Screen
C.A loves baseball and is a Yankees fan. Here is an example of what this screen would look like:

I have been to 20 Yankees

games.

I caught a foul ball for my

grandson once.
BOOO! TheScreen
Fishing Mets!
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During the assessment with C.A, he spoke about how he loves to go fishing. One the fishing
screen is a picture of C.A doing what he loves. Here is an example of some text that would go
along with the scene:

I have had this fishing pole for years.

I am best at fishing for fluke.

I go to my friend’s lake house

every summer to fish.

Living Room Screen

During the spontaneous speech portion of the assessment, C.A explained that his favorite room
in the house is his living room. Here is an actual photograph of his living room and some
examples of text that would appear when clicked on:

Claire made us buy a green couch. I do

not like it.

I need the remote control to

I hope the Yankee game is on tv.
change the channel.
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Telephone Screen
C.A explained that he no longer feels comfortable answering his home telephone. On this screen
there is a picture of what his telephone looks like and some examples of what to say when he
answers the phone:

Hello? Is this a sales call?

This Charles, can I ask

who is speaking?

Hold on for a
minute, I will get

Claire
How are you?
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References
Dietz, A., Weissling, K., Griffith, J., Mckelvey, M., & Macke, D. (2014). The Impact of
Interface Design During an Initial High-Technology AAC Experience: A Collective
Case Study of People with Aphasia. Augmentative and Alternative
Communication, 30(4), 314-328. doi:10.3109/07434618.2014.966207
Fried-Oken, M., Beukelman, D. R., & Hux, K. (2012). Current and Future AAC Research
Considerations for Adults with Acquired Cognitive and Communication
Impairments. Assistive Technology, 24(1), 56. doi:10.1080/10400435.2011.648713
Hough, M., & Johnson, R. K. (2009). Use of AAC to enhance linguistic communication skills in
an adult with chronic severe aphasia. Aphasiology, 23(7/8), 965.
doi:10.1080/02687030802698145

Wallace, S. E., Purdy, M., & Skidmore, E. (2014). A multimodal communication program for
aphasia during inpatient rehabilitation: A case study. Neurorehabilitation, 35(3), 615-
625. doi:10.3233/NRE-141136