Isidora Z., Speech Therapist
Profession
Organisation
Action scale of the organisation (European, national, local), if relevant
What does your profession involve?
My profession includes prevention, diagnosis and rehabilitation of communication, language, speech and voice disorders. I work with children who need alternative methods of communication.
Are you familiar with AAC methods? Since when?
I became familiar with AAC communication methods during university.
In which situations do you use AAC methods?
I use AAC methods in working with children with communication difficulties and autism spectrum disorders when they need to express their needs.
Which are the benefits of using AAC methods?
The advantages are the simple realization of functional communication.
In which situation have you seen these benefits?
The use of AAC has helped me in the communication exchange with a child who had autism spectrum disorder. The child was non-verbal, he only used contact gestures for communication. I was able to communicate with him using AAC.
Do you think AAC methods are well known in the educational field in your country?
I’m not sure. I am of the opinion that certain schools, kindergartens and centres are familiar with AAC methods. I believe that educators should use AAC in their work, of course if they have a child who is non-verbal or has some difficulties.
Do you think that AAC-related practices should be improved? Why?
I think they are good so far. They will probably need to be improved and upgraded over time.
Do you have any resources to share (websites, portals, books…)?
ARASAC, AAC communicators, Pictoselector.
Advices to implement AAC methods at school?
If you work with students who have certain difficulties in communication, try using AAC in terms of expression and understanding. You will make some form of communication; you will ask for and receive an answer. After some time, the child will accept this way of communication,they will be happier and more satisfied.