Augmenting Communication… Expanding Communication

This session will discuss current ideas and practices on augmenting communication for those with limited to no functional use of speech. We see how augmenting communication is building social and communicative skills, and for some supporting the development of speech. The process of assessment and selection of the “right system” can be overwhelming. I will outline how to identify your needs and purpose so that the best system for you today can be pursued. We will go on to discuss what to do once you have a system so that communication is developed and increased. Finally I will touch on how we are seeing augmentative communication support the development of speech.

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Darlene Hanson

Darlene Hanson, MA, CCC, is a speech and language specialist with an expertise in working with individuals with severe communication impairments. She is the Director of Communication Services with WAPADH, in the Los Angeles area. Her work focuses on bringing alternate modes of communication to those who do not use speech to communicate effectively. Darlene has published research on authorship and Facilitated Communication. Her most current research is on “Sorting out Speech” which discusses the development and use of speech for those who use AAC as their first mode of communication.