Communication byways

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Tina Voizey gives some tips on speaking with someone who uses Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) describes methods of communication which can be used to supplement the more usual methods of speech and writing when these are impaired. AAC may include unaided systems such as signing and gesture, as well as aided techniques ranging from picture charts to the most sophisticated computer technology currently available. AAC can be a way to help someone understand, as well as a means of expression.

The Conversation
If possible, choose to communicate in a quiet environment with minimal background noise so you can concentrate on the conversation. Face the person you are talking with – we all find it easier to communicate naturally when we can pick up visual clues like body language, gesture and facial expressions. Everyone communicates in a different way, this is exactly the same for someone who uses AAC. Start off by asking if there is anything specific that they need to help them be successful in your interaction. If you are not sure how the person indicates ‘yes’ and ‘no’, ask. Before you start a conversation be aware that however brief the interaction, you need to give more time to the person who uses AAC than you would with a speaking person. Be prepared to give that time. When you ask a question, wait for a reply. Don’t worry about the long silence while you wait for that reply. A good start to the conversation boosts everyone’s confidence. Make eye contact and speak directly with the person using AAC, not their assistant. If you have never listened to someone using AAC before in a conversation, then let them know—they will be patient and help you the best they can.

Start with concrete subjects such as the current situation you are both in. Keeping your own utterances short and simple helps the person who uses AAC and gives them a chance to speak but avoid just asking questions which require ‘yes’ and ‘no’ answers as this quickly becomes boring for everyone. It is tempting to speed up communication by finishing off the person’s sentence for them. Avoid this as, all too often, it is where misunderstandings start.

Developing the Conversation
Take the time to make sure you have understood the person using AAC correctly by rephrasing or paraphrasing their response. Often the pace of AAC interaction can be slower, so it helps to introduce one topic of conversation at a time. And be clear when you are changing the topic; the user may lose subtle clues from your face as they look down to their system. It is much harder for someone using AAC to interject into a conversation. They will appreciate it if you make time and invite questions, rather than expect them to question. It is good to structure a conversation by only asking one question at a time. Questions starting with ‘who’, ‘what’ ‘where’, ‘when’, ‘why’, ‘how’ and ‘if’ will elicit a more detailed response; it is worth waiting for the answer.

Ending the Conversation
When the flow of conversation is interrupted or slow, it can feel like hard work. This can lead to fatigue and loss of concentration. This is more likely to happen to you than the person who uses AAC; they are used to conversations being this way. It is perfectly acceptable to ask them for a break, but if the conversation has not been completed then it is only polite to say you will return to finish it. Equally, some people who use AAC find using their system tiring and need a break too before the conversation is finished. If you sense they are getting tired, then it helps to suggest a break. 

Practice makes perfect;  the more you engage with people who use AAC, the better you will become. Remember that people who use AAC want to talk to you; they understand how you feel and will help you all they can. 

Tina Voizey
Author: Tina Voizey

Tina Voizey
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Tina Voizey is a Trustee of Communication Matters and a special educator with over thirty years’ experience working with learners with significant disabilities.

Website: communicationmatters.org.uk
X: @Comm_Matters
Facebook: @communicationmattersuk

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