When deciding which alternative communication system is appropriate for someone to use, there are many considerations to be made. A thorough assessment of a potential device user aims at searching for their communication strengths and focusing on how these strengths can be used to help them communicate1. Understanding a person’s areas of communication strength and also areas of weakness (in terms of language, speech, motor capabilities, cognition, literacy, etc.) allows an SLP to match appropriate devices to a person in terms of what features the device has that will help them communicate2. The focus of choosing a device should start with the person who will be using it and seeing what device works best for them, rather than starting with a device and trying to make the user conform to the device features.

Walk onto any college campus or take a look as travelers occupy

themselves at any airport terminal in the world, and you are likely to be

bombarded with the sight of an array of Apple products. There is no

doubting the ever-growing popularity of Apple products with typical technology consumers, but

speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are now presented with the iPad as

an option to help their clients communicate. The iPad is one of

many communication system “containers.” There are many

positive elements related to being an appropriate communication device, but should the iPad be the new gold

standard when it comes to SLP services aimed at alternative

communication?

Answer: The gold standard is finding the best fit for each individual.

1

Created by Nykki Montano – A Speech-

Language Pathology Graduate Student at The University of

New Mexico

www.asha.com http://aac-ucf.unm.edu

2

 

 

Using portable media such as iPad and smartphones as the “container” for an alternative communication device has gained interest due to portability, peer acceptance, and convenience3. Price and availability to purchase an iPad also adds interest. As of March 2013, an iPad mini starts at $329 and the iPad2 starts at $399,4 which is far less than most dedicated high-tech alternative communication devices such as a DynaVox or Prentke Romich Company device and they can be easily ordered directly from Apple or purchased at various other retailers. All of these reasons make the iPad an attractive option for a communication device. The iPad has been shown to be an appropriate option with some users, such as children with autism spectrum disorders in a comparison with the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)5. However, the iPad is not the best option for every person that could benefit from an alternative communication system. It is not completely clear whether the iPad is better than other systems and devices5. Other types of high-tech devices may be better suited for some people in terms of durability, motor capabilities, selection method (how the person chooses an option on the device), etc. For example, a child who tends to be rough on their device might be better suited for a more durable option.

Is the iPad the Golden “Apple” of Augmentative/Alternative

Communication?

In addition to discussing the iPad and other high-tech communication devices, we need to consider that alternative communication does not always mean a person is using a device with batteries. Many people can best benefit from low-tech options, such as using a symbol and/or alphabet board, physical objects, printed pictures, or other printed symbols.

So, is the iPad the golden apple of communication systems? Not exactly. There is an entire orchard of options that can and should be explored. The bottom line is that people who can benefit from alternative communication systems have diverse needs and possess different skills, strengths, weaknesses, needs, and preferences6. While the iPad is an appropriate choice to meet some people’s needs, deciding which communication system is most appropriate and will help someone the most is not a one-size-fits-all scheme. There are many alternative communication devices and systems available, and these options should be considered based on the needs of the person who will be using the device.

An Orchard of Options