LinkAssistive Pty Ltd T/A Link-AT

Ph: 08 7120 6002 Fax: 08 8312 6024

Email: [email protected]
ABN: 54 268 377 891

Choosing a Communication Device

Considerations and Feature Matching
When conducting Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) assessments we need to match the individual to the AAC tools, devices and strategies
that will meet their communication needs (McBride, 2001). With an increasing range of AAC options available to us we need to maintain comprehensive
evaluation processes to ensure suitable devices are chosen and provide sound justification for the device purchase particularly if funding is being sought.
McBride (2011) suggests considering the following questions when beginning an AAC assessment:

• What does the individual need, want, or desire to communicate? How do they currently communicate these?
• Where, when and with whom will the individual communicate?
• What are the individual’s current skills and abilities?
• What is the individual’s language ability? What do they understand?
• What are the device functions and features required?
• How will you make the best choice of communication device? Who should be involved in the decision-making process?
• If the device has already been provided, is the individual currently using the AAC device? What are the barriers of the current device?

This resource follows the Matching Persons and AAC Technology Model (Hill, 2010) to help compare communication device features as part of the overall
AAC assessment process. It is designed to give you a start point for some of the features you may need to consider for the individual you are working with.
You can always contact one of our team to help you understand the features of the Link Assistive Products!
How to use the Comparison Table
First use the table to help you determine which features an individual requires. Consider which features are reasonable and necessary for the individual and
why. Also consider future features required by the individual. Then use the table to help compare the communication device options. Add other features that
may be specific to the individual. Make notes as to why each feature is required by the individual, this will start to form part of your rationale when applying
for funding and making decisions regarding best options.
Speech Pathology Australia’s AAC Clinical Guideline (2012) suggests comparison of features is an essential part of the AAC assessment process with
comparison of the individual’s performance on using at least two AAC systems required to determine the relative benefits of different device features. A full
feature-matching assessment ensures that more than just cost of devices are compared (Speech Pathology Australia, 2012). If you are looking for more
support models and frameworks to support your AAC assessment The Participation Model (Beukelman and Mirenda, 2013) and SETT Framework (Zabela,
2005) can be helpful, see reference list for details.
 LinkAssistive Pty Ltd T/A Link-AT
Ph: 08 7120 6002 Fax: 08 8312 6024
Email: [email protected]
ABN: 54 268 377 891

Feature Description Is it needed by the individual & why? Device ________ Device _________
Primary Considerations
Language Representation Method
Single Meaning Pictures Pictures represent one word
Alphabet Access language by spelling
Multiple Meaning Icons Sequence of pictures to make a word
Vocabulary Organisation
Semantic Words are organised by meaning or category
Grammatical Words are organised by word order (grammar)
Topic / Activity Words are organised by topics and activities
Alphabetic Words are organised by first letter (alphabetical)
Visual Scene Words and phrases are embedded in an image
Pragmatic Words are organised according to language function
Vocabulary
Core Vocabulary Everyday words used eg I, like, want, go, big
Fringe Vocabulary Words specific to topics eg cheeseburger, Kmart
Phrases Words are organised into phrases
ABC Keyboard Alphabet organised in ABC format
QWERTY Keyboard Alphabet organised in QWERTY format
Customisable Vocabulary Software allows words to be added and customised
Robust Vocabulary Enough words to meet communication requirements
Method of Utterance Generation
Spontaneous Novel Individual words can be combined to create sentences
Utterance Generation
Pre-stored sentences Words are stored in short sentences accessed through a single
/phrases button
Spelling Words and sentences are created through spelling using the
alphabet
Other Features Specific to the Individual
 LinkAssistive Pty Ltd T/A Link-AT
Ph: 08 7120 6002 Fax: 08 8312 6024
Email: [email protected]
ABN: 54 268 377 891

Feature Description Is it needed by the individual & why? Device ________ Device ________
Secondary Considerations
User Interface
Symbols Picture library eg PCS, Symbol Stix, High Contrast PCS
Navigation Comment on ease of navigation to find words
Consistent Vocabulary Comment on vocabulary placement and how it promotes motor
Placement automaticity

Ease of editing and Comment on editing features eg quick modify, link out to camera
programming
Search Function Ability to search for words within software.
Hide Buttons Ability to hide buttons to reduce page complexity
Hide single buttons? Hide multiple buttons? Hide word lists?
Operating System Eg Windows 10, IOS, Android
Control Interface – Access Method
Direct Touch Comment on settings
Head Pointing Comment on settings
Eye Gaze / Pointing Comment on settings eg dwell time, calibration
Switch Scanning (1 or 2) Comment on settings eg scan patterns, scan speed
Mouse / Joystick Comment on settings
Multiple Access Methods Consider need for motor skill change
Outputs
Speech (voices) Voice options eg Aus voice, child voice
Voice Personalisation Ability to message bank, change pitch, rate of speech
Speakers Comment on speaker volume
IR Controls Infra-red remote outputs
Wifi Able to connect to internet via wifi. Does the user have wifi?
Bluetooth Able to connect to Bluetooth devices
Data logging Able to record data within the device
Back Up Comment on how back up and restoring is done
Accessories
Durable casing Device is durable or additional casing available
Keyguards Comment on keyguard if required
Handle / Carry Strap Device comes with accessory
Mounting Device able to be mounted
Stand Comment on how device stands
 LinkAssistive Pty Ltd T/A Link-AT
Ph: 08 7120 6002 Fax: 08 8312 6024
Email: [email protected]
ABN: 54 268 377 891

Feature Description Is it needed by the individual & why? Device ________ Device _________
Tertiary Considerations
Integrated Features
Environmental / Remote Comment on ability to control remotes eg TV, video, music, lights
Controls
Music Player In built music playing pages
Camera In built camera 1 or 2
Social media Ability to share to social media eg Facebook, Twitter
Email In built email, email pages
Computer Access Comment on computer access functions
Phone Ability to connect to a mobile phone
Consider compatible phones
Skype Ability to work with Skype
Behaviour Supports Visual schedule, timers
Dedicated / Non- Mainstream tablet vs dedicated AAC
Dedicated
Training and Support
Local Supplier Device has a local supplier to support use
Technical Support Device has easily accessible technical troubleshooting. Comment on
how support is accessed.
Website Support The device has manuals, website supports, FAQs
Videos and Webinars Training videos are available
Implementation Resources Device has therapy resources to support learning
Non-electronic version Device has a paper based version available
Warranty Comment on warranty periods
Device repairs Comment on repair options eg local supplier, free screen repairs
External Editing software Device has software for editing and programming of the device. Is
this software free?
Other Specifications
Battery Life Hours of battery life
Weight Weight of device
Portability Comment on device portability / mounting options
Screen Size
Device Cost Consider pricing of device and accessories
Environmental Comment on device suitability eg in home, community, school
Considerations
 LinkAssistive Pty Ltd T/A Link-AT
Ph: 08 7120 6002 Fax: 08 8312 6024
Email: [email protected]
ABN: 54 268 377 891

References
Beukelman, D. R., & Mirenda, P. (2013) Augmentative and alternative communication: Supporting children and adults with complex communication needs. Baltimore, MD: Brookes.

Hill, K. (2010). Advances in Augmentative and Alternative Communication as Quality-of-Life Technology. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 21(1), 43-58.

McBride, D. (2011). AAC evaluations and new mobile technologies: Asking and answering the right questions. Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 20 (1), 9-16.

NSW Government Family & Community Services. (2014). Augmentative and Alternative Communications (AAC) Guidelines for speech pathologists who support people with disability. New
South Wales Government. Available from: http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0011/302402/Augmentative_and_Alternative_Communication_Practice_Guide.pdf

Oklahoma AT Center. (2013). Feature Match Comparison Chart. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Retrieved from PrAACtical AAC:
http://praacticalaac.org/praactical/praactical-resources-feature-match-chart/

Speech Pathology Australia. (2012). Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Clinical Guideline. Melbourne: Speech Pathology Australia. Retrieved from:
https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/SPAweb/Document_Management/Public/Clinical_Guidelines.aspx

Zabela, J. (2005). SETT Framework Documents. Available from: http://www.joyzabala.com/