Description
Ages: 2-0 through adult
Testing Time: 60 to 90 minutes
This
profile includes everything you need to assess communicative competence
and design intervention for the ever-changing needs of people who use
AAC systems.
The Profile has two functions:
- An
assessment tool that measures subjective, functional skills for
developing communicative competence using AAC systems; re-evaluates
skill level; and monitors progress.
- A guide to help manage
clients who use any type of speech-generating AAC system. The profile
grew out of the literature related to critical pathways and continuums
of care implemented to increase quality of care and efficiency and to
reduce costs.
The AAC Profile allows you to:
- identify areas of strength and those that need intervention and instruction
- determine functional, long-range outcomes and the steps toward achieving them
- compare individual performance over time toward desired outcomes
- identify ways that AAC support team members can define and coordinate their roles for intervention and instruction programs
- identify and provide optimal learning environments
Originally
developed for use with children who use speech-generating systems; the
AAC Profile is appropriate for use with adults who do not have acquired
communication disorders and who use AAC systems. The profile is not
specific to a disorder, severity, or setting.
Subtests
Assessment items are divided hierarchically into ability-based levels
called Skill Set Levels in four Areas of Learning. Skill Set Levels
range from simple and early functioning to independent use and AAC
system mastery. These areas are adapted from the work and publication of
Janice Light, 1989.
- Operational Area of Learning - Assess the
development of the technical skills used to operate the AAC system,
including the ability to access the system to transmit information.
Skill Set Levels include Orientation and Awareness, Manipulation,
Focused Use, AAC System Navigation, and AAC System Programming and Use.
-
Linguistic Area of Learning - Assess the development of receptive and
expressive language skills used in the home and community, the knowledge
and use of the language "code" of the AAC system, and the ability to
attend to both during a communicative interaction. Skill Set Levels
include Communication Awareness, Communication with Specific Meaning,
Communication by Combining Words, Communication Using Syntax and
Morphology, and Communication Using Refined Language.
- Social
Area of Learning - Assess the development of skills needed for social
communication including the individual's self-image as a communicator
and the desire to communicate reciprocally with others. Skill Set Levels
include Natural Behaviors, Effective Regulatory Behaviors, Practiced
Interaction, Social Awareness and Competence, and Social Mastery.
-
Strategic Area of Learning - Assess the knowledge of what can be
communicated and how best to communicate it as well as developing
compensatory strategies for effective communication. Skill Set Levels
include Pre-Intentional/Reflexive, Intentional, Programmed Message Use,
Appropriate Message Selection and Use, and Strategic Mastery.
COMPLETE TEST INCLUDES: Examiner's Manual and 15 Profile Forms.
©2009