Test your knowledge

I am familiar with AAC methods and I deliberately use them in my professional practices. Yes, I use them regularly! I am familiar with it, but I don’t use them in my professional practices. I don’t think I’ve heard of it.

AAC is merely designed for people with speech disabilities. I agree I don’t agree nor disagree. I disagree.

Which AAC systems are you familiar with?

Here is a list of possible AAC systems:

Natural gestures and mimics or sign language (without technological support)
Picture/symbol boards; visual timetables etc
Pictures, symbols, icons
Communication systems involving special devices
Communication software

All of them Some of them None of them

What do you think is the main purpose of using AAC in the education of students with communication/speech difficulties? To provide students with speech disabilities a permanent alternative to speech To help pupils become more independent in expressing their ideas and needs To limit the use of verbal language by pupils with disabilities in their interaction with teachers and peers

Do you think the effectiveness of AAC methods could be improved if they were combined with other proven methodologies? Yes: the effectiveness of AAC can be improved if combined with methodologies such as speech therapy, sensory integration and IT tools. No: the effectiveness of AAC cannot be improved because these methods are very specific and combining them may dilute their innate properties and confuse students. I’m not sure: the effectiveness of combining will depend on individual students.

There are types of students for whom AAC would not be effective Indeed, it depends of the individual case: the child's disability, their abilities and also on the professional's experience. False, AAC methods are useful in all situations independently on the student’s profile. I’m not sure, normally AAC methods are meant to be used for all, but perhaps some pupils with specific disability do not react to the stimuli.

Using AAC limits a student's ability to develop their speech. True False I don’t know

Implementing AAC in the classroom requires extensive training that is difficult to access. I strongly disagree I agree, but it seems worth it I disagree, but it’s not that easy to access

AAC is the last option teachers/experts should use when nothing else works. Agree Disagree I don’t know

High-tech solutions are always better than low-tech solutions. True False Both forms are valuable

AAC is only meant for people with autism, disability, dyspraxia… True: AAC’s objective is to give priority to a communication tool for people with disability. False: AAC can be used to overcome all type of communication frontiers, not only caused by a disability. I don’t know

CAA should not be used too early in children False, the sooner the better! It can be introduced early but just from time-to-time Indeed, you cannot use any AAC support at any age. Teaching AAC to early will prevent the development of speech.

You have a student with attention difficulties. Do you think using AAC tools, such as communication boards and pictograms, would help them focus and participate more effectively during lessons, or would these tools be more of a distraction? AAC tools might help the student with attention difficulties, but only in certain subjects where they directly support comprehension. AAC tools could support the student by offering visual aids that improve focus and participation across various subjects. AAC tools should only be used for students with communication disorders, not attention difficulties as it will affect their focus.

Do you believe AAC methods, like gesture-based communication, visual aids, or picture symbols, can integrate effectively into the teaching of abstract mathematical concepts such as geometry, or would they slow the teaching process instead? AAC methods are useful for certain students, but not effective for teaching abstract concepts like geometry. AAC methods should be used with some activities only to avoid slowing down lessons. AAC methods can integrate effectively by offering alternative ways to understand abstract concepts, enhancing learning for all students.

For what purpose do you think AAC tools are primarily used for in a classroom setting? AAC tools are mainly used for functional communication, like asking for assistance or making requests. AAC tools are effective for both functional communication and supporting academic activities, such as storytelling and discussions. AAC tools are only suitable for students with severe communication difficulties, and their use is restricted to special education settings.

Self-assessment

About

Discover

Implement

More