Four key goals of adult life: The role of AAC in supporting self-determination
Anthony Arnold describes his use of AAC to pursue 4 key goals of adult life
The iPad and mobile technology revolution: Benefits and challenges (McNaughton & Light, 2013)
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The iPad and other mobile technologies provide powerful new tools to potentially enhance communication for individuals with developmental disabilities, acquired neurogenic disorders, and degenerative neurological conditions. These mobile technologies offer a number of potential benefits, including: (a) increased awareness and social acceptance of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), (b) greater consumer empowerment in accessing AAC solutions, (c) increased adoption of AAC technologies, (d) greater functionality and interconnectivity, and (e) greater diffusion of AAC research and development. However, there remain a number of significant challenges that must be addressed if these benefits are to be fully realized…
Designing AAC research and intervention to improve outcomes…(Light & McNaughton, 2015)
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Light and McNaughton apply the framework proposed by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to illustrate the need to re-think AAC intervention to improve outcomes for individuals with complex communication needs, and to foster a new generation of intervention research that will provide a solid foundation for improved services. Specifically, the paper emphasizes the need to take a more holistic view of communication intervention and highlights the following key principles to guide AAC intervention and research: (a) build on the individual’s strengths and focus on the integration of skills to maximize communication, (b) focus on the individual’s participation in real-world contexts, (c) address psychosocial factors as well as skills, and (d) attend to extrinsic environmental factors as well as intrinsic factors related to the individual who requires AAC.
Communicative Competence…: A new definition for a new era of communication? (Light & McNaughton, 2014)
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In the 25 years since the definition of communicative competence for individuals who use AAC was originally proposed, there have been significant changes in the AAC field. In this paper, Light and McNaughton review the preliminary definition of communicative competence, consider the changes in the field, and then revisit the proposed definition to determine if it is still relevant and valid for this new era of communication.
Successful employment for individuals who use AAC
Dr. David McNaughton and Anthony Arnold describe strategies to support employment for individuals who use AAC. All strategies are illustrated with “success stories” of people who use AAC and who are employed.
AAC and Communication in the Workplace
David McNaughton and David Chapple use a series of case examples, with video illustrations, to demonstrate that individuals who require AAC can achieve positive employment outcomes.
Improving literacy outcomes for individuals with ASD
Janice Light describes evidence-based literacy intervention for three individuals with autism.
Mobile devices and communication apps: Current trends and future directions
Drs. Howard Shane, Jessica Gosnell, David McNaughton, and Sam Sennot discuss the use of mobile communication technologies (e.g., the iPad) by children with complex communication needs (webcast)
Introduction to AAC
Kathy Drager, Janice Light, and David McNaughton provide an introduction to the use of AAC (webcast)