Auditory Scanning Phrase List
(Adapted from Linda J. Burkhart linda@Lindaburkhart.com www.lburkhart.com - taken from acecentre.org.uk/resources/)
If an individual is unable to see a phrase chart, then you can read aloud the options, for example categories or words, for the individual to choose from (selection is made through yes/no questioning). This is called Auditory Scanning.
While this method can be slow and cognitively demanding, for some individuals with poor vision it is sometimes the only solution.
An auditory scanning phrase chart divides options into categories so that the individual can first set the scene, for example ‘Do something’, and subcategories so that they can then select a specific message, for example ‘Newspaper’. The phrase chart can also include an option for using a spelling board.
The categories and subcategories on an individual’s auditory scanning phrase chart can be adapted to meet their specific communication needs.
A Phrase List for Repairing Communication
This list of phrases can be used by an individual to help them repair communication breakdowns by selecting an appropriate phrase, for example ‘This is not what I meant’.
The phrase list can be modified in order to be used for any other topic.
This resource also includes advice on the different ways in which the individual can access the phrase list, for example through pointing to the written phrase they want.
A Low-tech Example that Uses Core Vocabulary Across Pages
This is an example of AAC which gives the individual the flexibility to combine words in order to form messages.
It contains frequently used words (core words) such as ‘like’, which can be selected to start a message and which remain constant across pages; it also contains some personalised vocabulary under the ‘food and drink’ category such as ‘fish and chips’, which can be either used on its own or combined with core words.
Below is a link to this particular AAC example; however, since only the ‘food and drink’ category has been personalised here, the rest of the categories would also need to be personalised before this resource can be used functionally.
Low-tech AAC Pages - Needs Chart and Speech Therapy
A single page containing key words or phrases which are linked to a particular context, for example mealtimes or going to the hairdresser, and which can assist the individual with their communication needs.
Here are the links to 2 different examples of AAC pages, which can be printed and laminated for use:
- ‘Needs’ page: an AAC page that focuses on basic needs, for example ‘Need suction’ or ‘I’m anxious’, and which can be used across contexts.
- ‘Speech Therapy’ page: an AAC page containing messages specifically related to Speech Therapy sessions, for example ‘I want to work on my spelling’.
Text Based Communication Book Template