High-Tech AAC Device Programming Flashcards

Which parameter should a clinician adjust in high-tech AAC switch scanning software to help a user who consistently activates the switch too early during automatic scanning?

Answer: Increase the step scan delay or switch to step scanning mode

Increasing the delay between auto-scan movements or switching to step scanning gives the user more control and time to activate the switch at the correct moment.

A high-tech AAC device's text-to-speech (TTS) voice sounds robotic and the user finds it unpleasant. Which programming option should the clinician explore first?

Answer: Select an alternative TTS voice engine or voice option within the device software

Most high-tech AAC devices offer multiple TTS voice engines and individual voices; selecting a different voice is the appropriate first step to improve naturalness.

When creating a new vocabulary page for a specific activity in a high-tech AAC device, which design principle improves navigation efficiency?

Answer: Including a consistent 'home' or 'back' button in the same location on every page

A consistent 'home' or 'back' button in a fixed location across all pages helps users navigate predictably and efficiently.

Which of the following is the BEST description of 'auditory scanning' in high-tech AAC device programming?

Answer: The device reads aloud each symbol or option as the scan highlight moves to it

In auditory scanning, the device vocalizes the label of each item as the scan highlight moves to it, supporting users who have visual impairments or literacy challenges.

A user's high-tech AAC device vocabulary was designed using a page-based system, but the user consistently struggles to navigate to the correct topic page. Which programming modification would MOST directly address this?

Answer: Add a visual scene display (VSD) page as an alternative navigation option for familiar activities

Visual scene displays embed vocabulary within contextually meaningful images of real environments, reducing reliance on abstract navigation for familiar activities.

Which programming consideration is MOST important when setting up word prediction on a high-tech AAC device for a new user?

Answer: Determine whether word prediction aids or distracts the specific user before enabling it universally

Word prediction benefits vary by user — some find it helpful while others find it distracting; clinical judgment and trialing with the specific user is essential.

When programming a high-tech AAC device for a user with a degenerative condition who currently uses direct touch, what feature should be enabled proactively to facilitate future transition to switch scanning?

Answer: A scanning overlay or scanning grid that mirrors the current direct touch layout

Building a scanning grid that mirrors the direct touch layout allows the user to transition to switch scanning with minimal re-learning of symbol locations.