augmentative and alternative communication access
Strategies for Developing Motor Access skills: (adapted from Multi-Modal Communication Strategies for Children Who have Rett Syndrome by Linda J. Burkhart)
Reduce Motor Demands
- Utilize multiple modalities
- Eye-gaze, reaching, direct switch access, step scanning, touch points,
subtle non-verbal communication, head stick/pointer, voice and
intonation
- Be flexible to use whatever system seems to work best in that
situation at that time
- Model use of all the systems throughout the day
- Revisit strategies, such as eye-gaze periodically, even if it wasn’t effective in the past. Girls abilities can grow and change throughout life
- PVC pipe eye-gaze stand
- talking picture frames for auditory feedback on eye-gaze frame
- model eye-gaze as you communicate to the child - looking at child,
then item, then back to child
- (Burkhart, 2007)
- Increase distance between selections so it becomes difficult to accidentally activate both switches with one movement or reach
- Use different movements / body parts for different responses or for different switches
- Have child move to selection in his environment, if they are mobile
- Wait for child to focus on selection before moving it within reach
- Ask for confirmation (ie a smile) when using eye point strategies if you are not sure what the child looked at, but always accept child’s subtle attempts if you understand them
- (Burkhart, 2007)
Allow the child to withdraw and center and then continue at her own pace.
- Kids learn in short spurts and then need time to process
information
- Children sometimes need to re-center themselves
neurologically by taking a
break, staring, rocking, etc. They usually know what
works best for them
- Provide Low Stress Play Activities with Motor Access
Strategies
- Begin with cause and effect but quickly move on to cause
and effect in multiple locations for multiple purposes
- Adapted battery toys with a purpose
- Environmental control with purpose and context (blender,
fan, music)
- Switch activated music and computer songs and stories
- Move to two switches two functions as quickly as
possible
- Increase motivation by increasing cognitive engagement and
control
- Two switches trial and error
- Two switches positionally related to function (Left Right Switch
Activities)
- Two switches social turn talking
- Two switches / two functions
- (Burkhart, 2007)
Example of eye-gaze technology in action with appropriate positioning of devices.
Burkhart, L. (2007). Multi-Modal Communication Strategies for Children Who have Rett Syndrome . . Retrieved July 25, 2014, from http://www.lburkhart.com/handouts.htm
Video retrieved from youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MRIoWgTyI70
Burkhart, L. (2007). Multi-Modal Communication Strategies for Children Who have Rett Syndrome . . Retrieved July 25, 2014, from http://www.lburkhart.com/handouts.htm
Video retrieved from youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MRIoWgTyI70