Supporting Yasmina’s communication through AAC

AAC is often referred to as a tool for giving people with disability a voice. While this is definitely the case, Yasmina has always found a way to communicate her needs to those around her, including Jo Shugg, Speech Pathologist, who has been supporting Yasmina for many years as her Key Worker. 

“Yasmina is very good at using her voice to get attention, calling out to family members. She’s amazing at using her facial expressions to tell you what she wants… she has a strong sense of who she is and what she likes,” said Jo. 

AAC has been used to support Yasmina with her existing communication methods, to help her work towards her goal of independent communication. 

This support began by using low-tech methods such as Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) to help Yasmina communicate. These PCS support both receptive, and expressive communication so she can understand both what people are asking of her, and she can tell people what she wants. 

“Yasmina uses a communication book with PCS. She uses this to communicate, via partner assisted auditory scanning,” said Jo. 

Partner assisted auditory scanning is an AAC technique, where the communication partner provides a verbal list of messages to the individual in a sequential manner, allowing them to make their selection by indicating ‘yes’ in their own way.

Yasmina has excelled at this method of communication, even “indicating for specific people to assist her with the book to get her point across as quickly as possible,” said Jo. 

“Yasmina was progressing so well with her communication, she has now moved on to trial more high-tech AAC,” said Jo. 

High-tech AAC includes advanced electronic devices, such as speech-generating devices and communication apps, which offer customisable features and voice output. High-tech AAC provides greater flexibility and independence for users with more complex physical needs.

Jo enlisted the support of Ania Ciechanowski, AAC & AT Consultant and Occupational Therapist at Yooralla, to explore the high-tech AAC options that would suit Yasmina’s needs and goal of independent communication. 

“We trialled a number of devices and decided that eye gaze would be the system that Yasmina could use most independently and consistently,” said Jo. 

“The eye gaze device…gives Yasmina a voice to turn the pages of her communication book herself, and she won’t rely on partner assistance to communicate her needs, which will in turn increase her autonomy and independence,” said Jo.

Jo and Ania have supported Yasmina’s family to apply for funding for the device to be submitted to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). 

Cross collaboration between Yooralla’s Therapy services has been pivotal in supporting Yasmina with her communication goals, particularly in relation to trialling the eye gaze device.

“Access to the device is something that an OT at Yooralla specialises in, with Ania working with Yasmina to work out the best mounting system so she could use the eye-gaze effectively,” said Jo. 

“We also worked with our physiotherapists to support Yasmina with her positioning and her ability to maintain a suitable and comfortable position, so she can stay seated and maintain her access to the eye-gaze,” said Jo. 

Jo found “the expert knowledge in our Therapy team invaluable” in supporting clients of all ages and needs. 

“I love being able to see people thrive and grow [with AAC],” said Jo. 

“AAC gives people choice and independence and a voice to make decisions, to say ‘no’, to say what they want to do, and to make clear and more informed choices,” she said. 

“[AAC] impacts on social interaction and means that people aren’t relying on others to speak for them, enabling them to have their own clear, distinct voice,” said Jo.