The availability and accessibility of basic concept vocabulary in AAC software: a preliminary study

Abstract

Core vocabulary lists obtained through the analyses of children’s utterances include a variety of basic concept words. Supporting young children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to develop their understanding and use of basic concepts is an area of practice that has important ramifications for successful communication in a classroom environment. This study examined the availability of basic concept words across eight frequently used, commercially available AAC language systems, iPad© applications, and symbol libraries used to create communication boards. The accessibility of basic concept words was subsequently examined using two AAC language page sets and two iPad applications. Results reveal that the availability of basic concept words represented within the different AAC language programs, iPad applications, and symbol libraries varied but was limited across programs. However, there is no significant difference in the accessibility of basic concept words across the language program page sets or iPad applications, generally because all of them require sophisticated motor and cognitive plans for access. These results suggest that educators who teach or program vocabulary in AAC systems need to be mindful of the importance of basic concept words in classroom settings and, when possible, enhance the availability and accessibility of these words to users of AAC.

Keywords:

• Vocabulary
• augmentative and alternative communication
• basic concept vocabulary

Notes

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Notes

1 The iPad^© is a product of Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA, USA, http://www.apple.com/

2 Compass^©, Tobii Dynavox InterAACt, Sono Flex, Boardmaker, and Tobii Dynavox Maestro are products of the Tobii Dynavox Company, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, www.tobiidynavox.com

3 Gateway^© software is a product of Communication Technology Resources, Highlands, NJ, USA, http://www.gatewaytolanguageandlearning.com/

4 Unity^® software is a product of the Prentke Romich Company, Wooster, OH, USA, https://www.prentrom.com/unity

5 Proloquo2Go^™ software is a product of the AssistiveWare Company, Amsterdam, Netherlands, http://www.assistiveware.com/product/proloquo2go

6 SymbolStix^® software is a product of News-2-You (n2y) of Huron, OH, USA, https://www.n2y.com/symbolstix-prime/