WEBSITE ACTIVITIES DIANE K. ELLIS AAC CONSULTANT ...

There is a wide range of switches available to be purchased or made.
Before deciding on the type of switch appropriate for a student, several
factors should be considered including the student's range of motion,
strength, visual abilities and motor movements the student can perform.
(Appendix G – Selecting a Switch)
2. Augmentative Communication Systems can include both voice and nonvoice
output devices. Non-voice output devices are considered low tech
devices and include such systems as the Picture Exchange Communication
System (PECS) Frost & Bondy, communication books/wallets and the Flip
n'Talk from Mayer-Johnson. Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCA)
range from simple one message switch activated devices to high level
computerized systems. Before deciding on an appropriate Voice Output
Communication Aid, a complete AAC evaluation should be completed with
input from all IEP team members including Occupational Therapist and
Speech Language Pathologist. The following are samples of the range in
devices:
• Big Mack – from Don Johnston and Ablenet
This is a switch VOCA that provides a single message to be recorder. It is
easy to program and affordable.