Most of our parents don’t have to choose a language for us. We are automatically immersed in the language of our community, and that becomes the language we will take on as our own. We’ll use our parents’ words to communicate our wants and needs, socially connect, share ideas, and tell jokes. We may choose to learn another language, but our baseline communication is based on those around us.
For students who have difficulty accessing their community’s communication methods, their families are often left with choices. Families are left with decisions of how their child will access language, what methods the child will use, and who that child will be able to interact with while accessing that language.
Choosing to use an AAC device can be hard enough for a family, and then families and student teams are left to figure out which device or method is best for the particular child. While the amount of technology out there gives us choices, it also leaves us with some pretty open questions about what’s best for each individual child.
Joey’s team is exploring the options other AAC devices can offer. He has been using LAMP’s (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) Unity system for over two years now, and is doing well with it. However, there are others out there, and as a team we can’t help but wonder – would another system give him more opportunities? Would it be easier? Is there something we are missing?
One unexpected observation we have found is that the use of specific AAC devices appears to be regional. School districts and private speech pathologists recommend what they are comfortable with to parents, and the more those devices are used, the more comfortable the practitioners become. In truth, I am far more comfortable with LAMP than others, because that’s what most of the schools around here recommend. Other regions and school districts lean towards other models.
We spend time exploring another system the other day. Joey adapted to it quite quickly, and was able to rapidly sort through the pages of words and choose phrases and topics to share about. The pictures were clearer to interpret, and it seems to be easier for the communication partners to go in and make changes and fix issues. At the same time, it seems to allow for less long term language learning and independence. LAMP seems to be more difficult up front to learn, but once he has an understanding of where the words are, he can say anything. We think. How do we know? There are big questions here, as well as smaller ones, all going unanswered. If something would be better for him to express himself, should he switch? Are there long term consequences?
Joey has a big team, and together I believe everyone will consider the facts and make the best determination for him. And of course, there is always directly asking Joey himself, who is able to share opinions with us, and has his own thoughts and ideas over his words. For any of you struggling with these decisions yourself, I stumbled upon this packet of information. https://ilc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/AAC-Language-Representation-How-Do-You-Choose1.pdf