Augmentative & Alternative Communication Profile

Tracy M. Kovach

Ages: 2-0 through adult
Testing Time: 60 to 90 minutes

This profile includes everything you need to assess communicative competence and design intervention for the ever-changing needs of people who use AAC systems.

The Profile has two functions:

1. An assessment tool that measures subjective, functional skills for developing communicative competence using AAC systems; re-evaluates skill level; and monitors progress.
2. A guide to help manage clients who use any type of speech-generating AAC system. The profile grew out of the literature related to critical pathways and continuums of care implemented to increase quality of care and efficiency and to reduce costs.

The AAC Profile allows you to:

• identify areas of strength and those that need intervention and instruction
• determine functional, long-range outcomes and the steps toward achieving them
• compare individual performance over time toward desired outcomes
• identify ways that AAC support team members can define and coordinate their roles for intervention and instruction programs
• identify and provide optimal learning environments

Originally developed for use with children who use speech-generating systems; the AAC Profile is appropriate for use with adults who do not have acquired communication disorders and who use AAC systems. The profile is not specific to a disorder, severity, or setting.

Subtests
Assessment items are divided hierarchically into ability-based levels called Skill Set Levels in four Areas of Learning.  Skill Set Levels range from simple and early functioning to independent use and AAC system mastery.  These areas are adapted from the work and publication of Janice Light, 1989.

• Operational Area of Learning
  Assess the development of the technical skills used to operate the AAC system, including the ability to access the system to transmit information.  Skill Set Levels include Orientation and Awareness, Manipulation, Focused Use, AAC System Navigation, and AAC System Programming and Use.
• Linguistic Area of Learning
  Assess the development of receptive and expressive language skills used in the home and community, the knowledge and use of the language "code" of the AAC system, and the ability to attend to both during a communicative interaction.  Skill Set Levels include Communication Awareness, Communication with Specific Meaning, Communication by Combining Words, Communication Using Syntax and Morphology, and Communication Using Refined Language.
• Social Area of Learning
  Assess the development of skills needed for social communication including the individual's self-image as a communicator and the desire to communicate reciprocally with others.  Skill Set Levels include Natural Behaviors, Effective Regulatory Behaviors, Practiced Interaction, Social Awareness and Competence, and Social Mastery.
• Strategic Area of Learning
  Assess the knowledge of what can be communicated and how best to communicate it as well as developing compensatory strategies for effective communication.  Skill Set Levels include Pre-Intentional/Reflexive, Intentional, Programmed Message Use, Appropriate Message Selection and Use, and Strategic Mastery.

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