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Speaking Up
A Voice for Every Child By Kim Moccia
- Ability to understand spoken language.
- Understanding of cause and effect.
It is important to remember that a child's needs, goals and abilities will change over time; therefore, assessing whether or not a communication method is still appropriate for the child is an ongoing process.
Ruth Stoeckel, a speech pathologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., says, "It is wise to try more than one system or device to determine what is most efficient and acceptable to the child, and keeping data will help 'tell the story' in that regard."
Although technology is a wonderful tool, sometimes things go wrong. Research shows that successful users of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) use a variety of communication methods that may include no-tech options such as gesturing, pointing, sign language, picture books and pen and paper, as well as low-tech and high-tech devices.
Providing an environment rich in communication options will allow the child to explore and experience the wonderful world of self expression.
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