Mixed Deck — All AAC Topics Flashcards

When writing an AAC-related IEP goal, which component is most critical to include to allow for objective measurement?

Answer: Observable behavior with measurable criteria and conditions

Measurable IEP goals must specify the observable behavior, performance criteria, and conditions under which the skill will be demonstrated.

In literacy instruction for AAC users, 'partner-assisted auditory scanning' of text serves what purpose?

Answer: It provides an access method for the AAC user to interact with printed text when motor control is severely limited

Partner-assisted auditory scanning provides a low-tech access method enabling participation in literacy activities for those with severe motor limitations.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a business is required to:

Answer: Provide effective communication access, which may include auxiliary aids and services

The ADA mandates effective communication access through auxiliary aids and services, which can include AAC supports.

Which government agency administers Medicare coverage for speech-generating devices as durable medical equipment?

Answer: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

CMS administers the Medicare program, including the durable medical equipment benefit under which SGDs are covered.

A practitioner describes an AAC system as 'portable, durable, no charging required, and immediately available.' These features are hallmarks of:

Answer: Low-tech or no-tech AAC systems

Low-tech and no-tech AAC systems — such as boards and books — are always available, require no battery, and are often highly durable.

A family wants to set an AAC goal of 'using 50 words.' Why might the SLP recommend a participation-based goal instead?

Answer: Participation goals focus on meaningful communication in real activities, not word counts

Participation-based goals measure functional communication in real life contexts, which is more meaningful than isolated word counts.

Which metric is MOST useful when monitoring a school-age AAC user's communicative competence progress?

Answer: Rate of communication acts across varied communicative functions

Tracking communicative functions (requesting, commenting, questioning, rejecting) across contexts provides a functional measure of communicative competence beyond mere device activation.

Which display type on a high-tech AAC device changes vocabulary pages based on the user's selections?

Answer: Dynamic display

A dynamic display automatically changes the vocabulary page shown based on the user's navigation choices, allowing access to large vocabulary sets.

What does 'vocabulary organization by semantic-syntactic category' mean in AAC device programming?

Answer: Grouping vocabulary by both meaning category (people, places) and word class (verbs, nouns) to support language development

Semantic-syntactic organization groups words by both their meaning category and grammatical class, supporting both retrieval efficiency and language learning.

When a AAC professional encounters an unfamiliar challenge in outcome measurement & progress tracking, what is the recommended first course of action?

Answer: Research applicable standards, consult with subject matter experts, and document the approach

Professional practice requires a methodical approach to unfamiliar challenges: research the applicable standards, consult experts when needed, and document the reasoning for the chosen approach.

When selecting vocabulary for an AAC system during assessment, which principle supports including both core and fringe vocabulary?

Answer: Core words enable frequent, flexible communication while fringe words provide topic-specific content

Core vocabulary (high-frequency, versatile words) supports efficient everyday communication, while fringe vocabulary addresses specific topics, interests, or needs.

Which statement about literacy skills and AAC use is MOST accurate?

Answer: Literacy skills and AAC use develop simultaneously and each supports the other

Literacy and AAC skills are mutually reinforcing; SLPs should integrate literacy goals into AAC intervention as both develop together.

Which evidence-based strategy involves arranging the environment so that a person MUST use their AAC symbol system to communicate a need?

Answer: Milieu teaching / communication temptation

Milieu teaching uses communication temptations—arranging the environment to create communicative need (e.g., placing a desired item out of reach) to prompt AAC use in natural contexts.

Which collaborative practice BEST ensures that AAC goals are embedded in the general education curriculum rather than treated as isolated therapy goals?

Answer: Co-planning sessions between the SLP and general education teacher to align AAC targets with upcoming units

Regular co-planning between the SLP and classroom teacher allows AAC vocabulary and communication goals to be embedded meaningfully within the academic curriculum.

Which of the following best describes a key competency required for outcome measurement & progress tracking in AAC practice?

Answer: Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment

AAC professionals working in outcome measurement & progress tracking need analytical skills to assess situations, communication skills to convey findings, and ethical judgment to make sound decisions.

In AAC research, what is the purpose of a 'baseline phase' in a single-subject design?

Answer: To measure the target behavior before any intervention begins, establishing a stable comparison point

The baseline phase documents the natural rate of the target behavior before intervention, serving as the comparison standard against which treatment effects are measured.

What is a benefit of using blended learning modalities?

Answer: Combines flexibility and interaction

Blended learning combines different instructional methods, typically integrating online digital learning with traditional face-to-face classroom activities. This approach offers the flexibility of self-paced online modules and the interactive benefits of direct instructor and peer engagement. It effectively balances convenience with opportunities for deeper interaction and personalized feedback.

In AAC, the term 'fringe vocabulary' refers to:

Answer: Highly individualized words specific to a person's life and interests

Fringe vocabulary consists of person-specific words — names, topics, places — that are meaningful to an individual but not universally high-frequency.

When an AAC device is funded through Medicare, what restriction applies to the type of device covered?

Answer: The device must be dedicated solely to speech generation and cannot run other apps

Medicare requires that a covered SGD be a dedicated speech-generation device and not a general-purpose tablet or computer that runs other non-medical applications.

Which AAC feature reduces the motor load on a user by automatically completing a word once enough letters are entered?

Answer: Rate enhancement via word prediction

Word prediction offers completed words after a user enters initial letters, reducing keystrokes and physical effort.