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Communicative Competence…: A new definition for a new era of communication? (Light & McNaughton, 2014)

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Cover of AAC JournalLight, J., & McNaughton, D. (2014). Communicative competence for individuals who require augmentative and alternative communication: A new definition for a new era of communication?. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 30, 1-18.

Free copy available at
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/07434618.2014.885080

 

Abstract

In 1989, Light defined communicative competence for individuals with complex communication needs who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) as a dynamic interpersonal construct based on functionality of communication; adequacy of communication; and sufficiency of knowledge, judgment, and skills. Specifically, Light argued that, in order to demonstrate communicative competence, individuals who required AAC had to develop and integrate knowledge, judgment, and skills in four interrelated domains: linguistic, operational, social, and strategic. In 2003, Light expanded this definition and argued that the attainment of communicative competence is influenced by not just linguistic, operational, social, and strategic competencies but also a variety of psychosocial factors (e.g., motivation, attitude, confidence, resilience) as well as barriers and supports in the environment. In the 25 years since this definition of communicative competence for individuals who use AAC was originally proposed, there have been significant changes in the AAC field. In this paper, we review the preliminary definition of communicative competence, consider the changes in the field, and then revisit the proposed definition to determine if it is still relevant and valid for this new era of communication.

Access Technology for AAC and Adults

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Adult with safe laserIn a recent podcast for Speech Uncensored, Dr. Susan Fager discussed her research on access and communication technology, and how the work she is completing translates to clinical practice. Susan also covered the progression from low tech to high tech AAC that a patient may experience across their recovery stages. Dr. Fager provided case studies to illustrate creative problem solving and overcoming obstacles to provide patients with a means to express themselves.

Supporting Communication of Individuals with Minimal Movement

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Susan Fager, Ph.D. CCC/SLP Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Lincoln, Nebraska
David Beukelman,Ph.D. CCC/SLP University of Nebraska, Lincoln Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Lincoln, Nebraska Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Webcast Description For many years we have provided AAC services to people with minimal movement capability. Their medical conditions include brainstem stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Guillan Barre’ Syndrome, and chronic myasthenia gravis. As with others who rely on AAC, these people are multi-modal communicators in that they use high and low technology options depending upon the situation and the listener. High technology options include commercially available devices as well as technology under development. During the past year, we have provided presentations related to our work in this area at RESNA, the World Congress on Disability, and ATIA. In this webcast we present the content of those presentation through an interactive discussion format.
Additional Resources Slides and handouts
  • Transcript of presentation (pdf)
  • Transcript of presentation (txt)
  • Powerpoint slides as a handout (pdf)
A 10-item quiz based on the content of this webcast, is available at the AAC Learning Center Moodle. You will need to register at the AAC Learning Center Moodle in order to complete the quiz. Upon successful completion of the quiz, you will be able to download a Certificate of Completion.
This webcast was produced as part of the work of the AAC-RERC under grant #H133E080011 from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)

“I go everywhere independently”: AAC supports for a VERY active life

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Webcast description

Tracy Rackensperger describes the importance of AAC supports for her many employment, independent living, and recreational activities, and areas in which she would like to see improvements in AAC technology.

First shown at the RERC on AAC State of the Science Conference in Arlington, Va, on July 13, 2018.
Text and photos by Tracy Rackensperger (video editing by David McNaughton). Excerpts of video from Tracy’s story used with permission.

Please cite as:

Rackensperger, T. (2018, July 13). “I go everywhere independently”: AAC supports for a VERY active life. Retrieved from https://aac-learning-center.psu.edu/2018/10/14/i-go-everywhere-independently-aac-supports-for-a-very-active-life/

Additional Resources

Tracy’s story (Institute on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia)

The folly of fortune telling

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Webcast description

Rob Rummel-Hudson describe the dangers of limited expectations, and the importance of opportunities and equity in achieving meaningful outcomes for his daughter, Schuyler.

First shown at the RERC on AAC State of the Science Conference in Arlington, Va, on July 13, 2018.
Text and photos by Rob Rummel-Hudson and Schuyler Hudson (video editing by David McNaughton)

Please cite as:

Rummel-Hudson, R. & Hudson, S. (2018, July 13). The folly of fortune telling. Retrieved from https://aac-learning-center.psu.edu/2018/10/14/the-folly-of-fortune-telling

Additional resources

Fighting Monsters with Rubber Swords

The contents of this website are a joint offering of Penn State University and the RERC on AAC. They were developed, in part, under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90REGE0014) to the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (RERC on AAC). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this website do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.