MY TOP RESOURCES

Wendy Tuson, 1. The C.O.R.E. AAC Curriculum

A creative approach to assessment of those needing to use augmentative and alternative communication is vital, but there are only a small number of published assessments to guide us. However, a useful publication is the C.O.R.E. AAC Curriculum. It provides an ordered way of putting together relevant information for each individual and helps to inform the ongoing process of assessment and development of any AAC system. It is also a useful tool for informing parents where to begin assessment and where to go with therapy. From Scope, tel. 020 7636 5020.

6. Signalong Manuals
The signing system we use is Signalong. There are a number of manuals which are easy to follow. They are topic based which makes looking for signs less time-consuming. The manuals give an overview of signing techniques and show graphic illustrations pertaining to the basic hand shapes, directions and positions. The diagrams are clear and the instructions underneath regarding how to make the sign are easy to follow. This is particularly useful as staff teams can have their own manuals to look up signs should they wish to do so. The manuals are invaluable during staff training and help change staff attitudes to and perceptions of signing environments. It helps to have the manuals available for backup during staff training if you have forgotten how to make the sign! Signalong, tel. 01634 819915 - www.signalong.co.uk

Caroline Nicholson, Hermien Nieuwoudt, Debbie Charles and Morwenna Larkin

(pictured left to right) all work for Newham Community Health Services NHS Trust across a range of care group settings including community clinics, special schools, the Child Development Centre, adult acute services and the Community Team for Adult Learning Disabilities. They share an interest in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and meet regularly as a working party to discuss and develop their service. The majority of their clients have severe to profound learning difficulties.

9. Other Voice Output Communication Aids

Gaining listener attention using speech for the first time can be very empowering for an AAC user. Some of our clients, particularly teenagers, can feel acutely different from their peers and may welcome the experience of interacting with others via speech. For the first time they may be able to speak when taking part in activities such as storytelling in schools or the local pub quiz. It is essential to have Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs) available for clients to use as required. Our service has a variety of mainly light tech VOCAs. These range from the single message capacity of the BIGmack through to fixed location aids such as the MessageMate and SpeakEasy. Some apparently ideal candidates for VOCAs simply do not like using them and feel more comfortable with other AAC methods. Having equipment available to borrow helps client and their enablers think about whether such technology will actually suit the individuals preferences. MessageMate - UK distributors include Cambridge Adaptive Communication, www.cameleon-web.com SpeakEasy - UK distributors include Liberator, www.liberator.co.uk

2. Multidisciplinary working
Teamwork with the client, carers and a range of professionals is vital to the success of augmentative and alternative communication. In Newham, with its diverse population, our bilingual co-workers are indispensable. Sometimes more specialised input is required and for us that means referring to the Assistive Communication Service at Charing Cross Hospital for adults, and the Wolfson Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital for children. Both provide specialist assessment, support and advice, and our clients get the opportunity to try out different communication aids appropriate to their needs. ACS, Charing Cross, tel. 020 8846 1057; Wolfson Centre, tel. 020 7837 7618.

7. The BIGmack
There are a number of switches on the market, but one of our favourites is the BIGmack. It is an easy to use single switch with recording modality. Any message of less than 20 seconds can be recorded and played back by pressing the switch. It is especially helpful for social integration of non-verbal clients, for example using it to: gain attention; participate in an activity or conversation; answer the register; join in storytelling. UK distributors include QED 2000 Limited, 99, www.QEDLtd.com Use of switches leads us on to.....

3. Communication Matters
Communication Matters, the UK Chapter of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) is well worth joining if you want to keep up-to-date with developments in AAC. They publish an excellent journal, run an annual UK symposium and generally support and promote the use of AAC. www.communicationmatters.org.uk

10. AAC Device Review

This book reviews most of the Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs) currently on the market. Each aid is reviewed in great detail and an outline of its primary usefulness considered. It is written in an easy to read style with prices and contact addresses for manufacturers. Although we always access our Regional Specialist Centres when considering clients for more sophisticated aids, this book is a valuable source of information. We would particularly recommend it if your department wishes to purchase a VOCA as a resource. You can see which aid/s would be useful for the greater number of your clients, whatever their differing abilities and needs. Alternative and Augmentative Communication Device Review by Gillian Rumble and Janet Larcher, VOCAtion, ISBN 0953375803, 12.

8. Battery operated equipment

Almost anything which has a battery can be adapted to be activated by a switch. This encourages switch usage but also greatly increases a clients awareness of their effect on the environment. There are a range of such resources in catalogues and local shops, from jumping rabbits to radios and fans. Toys can be adapted by a battery adapter (Z8) or you can buy a switch adapted toy - but make sure they fit the switches you have. If they dont fit, then an adapter plug is very handy; we got one from a local electrical shop for 60p.

4. Cameras
The instant Polaroid is rapidly being replaced by the digital camera. This makes it easy to set up communication books which involve objects, activities and people from the clients everyday environment. Video cameras provide an excellent opportunity for feedback for therapists, school staff, carers and parents. In particular, this helps to develop a clients active communication.

5. The Picture Communication Symbols Manual (PCS)

This excellent manual has approximately 3000 picture symbols and is much used by Newham speech and language therapists. We also have the wordless edition and the stickers format. The sections are categorised into social / people / verbs / descriptions / food / nouns, which makes it easy to use. The symbols are displayed in three different sizes, 3 /4, 1 and 2. We also have access to the computer software (Boardmaker) and the paint programme in Windows is useful as you can make up symbols and paste them into the Boardmaker directory. See www.mayer-johnson.com - UK distributors include Don Johnston Special Needs, tel. 01925 256500.