Chapter 8: Component 5 - Digital Tools in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

8.1. Introduction: The Role of Digital in AAC

The evolution of digital technologies has profoundly transformed practices in Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Digital tools now make it possible to considerably enrich the possibilities of expression of children with communication difficulties.

In the context of the AAC-Inclusion project, digital tools do not replace physical media (cards, tables), but complement and reinforce them.

They offer:

●        Greater flexibility

●        Advanced customization

●        increased attractiveness for some children

8.2. Types of digital tools in AAC

Digital tools in AAC can be classified into several categories.

1. AAC apps (tablets and smartphones)

These applications make it possible to:

●        display pictograms

●        to produce a speech synthesis

●        to construct sentences

Example of use:

The child selects "I WANT" → "DRINK"

 app says the sentence.

2. Devices with Text-to-Speech

These are tools dedicated to communication, allowing the child to:

●        Select Symbols

●        Generate an oral message

Especially useful for nonverbal children.

3. Personalized digital media

●        Digital communication boards

●        Interactive visual sequences

●        Digital educational materials

To be adaptable as needed.

8.3. Benefits of digital tools

Accessibility

Interfaces are often:

●        visual

●        intuitives

●        Easy to handle

Customization

Digital tools make it possible to:

●        Add pictograms

●        Adapting vocabulary

●        Edit Levels

Motivation

Some children are particularly sensitive:

●        on screens

●        touch interactions

Vocal Production

Voice synthesis makes it possible to: give a voice to the child.

8.4. Limits and precautions

Despite their advantages, digital tools have certain limitations.

Hardware Dependency

●        tablet required

●        Battery

●        maintenance

Risk of distraction

Screens can: distract attention.

Complexity

Some tools are: too complex for beginner use.

Affordability

●        Cost of applications

●        Material cost

8.5. Place of pictograms in digital tools

Pictograms remain essential, even in digital tools.

The integration of pictograms from ARASAAC makes it possible to:

●        Continuity between paper and digital media

●        Visual consistency

●        Better understanding

The child finds the same bearings.

8.6. Guide to choosing a digital tool

The choice of a tool must be well thought out and adapted.

Main criteria

●        Age of the child

●        Level of communication

●        Motor skills

●        Environment (School/Home)

Getting started

●        Simple application

●        few pictograms

●        Clear interface

For an advanced level

●        Sentence construction

●        Extensive vocabulary

●        Customization

8.7. User Guide (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Introduction

Present the tool: no overload

Step 2: Modeling

The adult shows: how to select a pictogram.

Step 3: Interaction

Propose a situation: "What do you want?"

Step 4: Response

The child:

●        Tap the screen

●        Select

Step 5: Reinforcement

The adult: valid and answers.

8.8. Concrete example (house)

Situation

A child uses a tablet.

Implementation

1. Open the app
   
   
2. Show 2 choices:
• EAT
• DRINK
  
  
3. The child selects
   
   
4. the tablet pronounces

 Result

●        communication claire

●        interaction positive

8.9. Concrete example (class)

Situation

Collective activity.

Implementation

1. Digital board
   
   
2. Pictograms:
• PLAY
• HELP
  
  
3. the student selects HELP

Result

●        Increased participation

●        Easier interaction

8.10. Articulation with physical media

An essential point of the toolkit: digital does not replace paper.

Complementarity

●        Cards → start

●        Table → Structuring

●        Digital → enrichment

Consistency

Always use: the same pictograms.

8.11. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Introducing digital technology too soon

●        surcharge

Completely replace cards

●        Loss of reference points

Choosing a tool that is too complex

●        Discouragement

Lack of support

●        Misuse

8.12. Practical recommendations

●       Start with paper

●       Introducing digital gradually

●       Maintain visual consistency

●       Supporting the child

8.13. Conclusion

Digital tools are an important complementary component of AAC.

They allow:

●        enrich communication

●        diversify the media

●        Empower

However, their effectiveness depends on their consistent integration with the other tools in the toolkit.