Emerging technologies in augmentative and alternative communication: restorative and compensatory approaches to acquired disorders of communication

Abstract

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies are underutilized in the treatment of acquired communication disorders for a variety of reasons. A potential AAC user may prefer to regain lost skills rather than have to replace them with a less natural means of communicating. The technology may be rejected because of its appearance, its inefficiencies in supporting typical communicative exchanges, or the complexities of its use. Further, many individuals who have sustained injury to their brains exhibit highly idiosyncratic language disturbances requiring specialized applications of technology that simply do not exist. This review article examines several current and emerging technologies with potential to impact the often complex cognitive and linguistic sequelae of neurological injury. This review begins with a synopsis of progress in areas such as speech input and output, natural language processing, interface technologies, and graphics that make consideration of a new generation of devices possible. This is followed by a discussion of specific aspects of communication breakdown that might be minimized or eliminated through applications of technology that address restoration of communicative function as well as compensation for the loss of function. Lastly, the review addresses the conceptual and attitudinal shifts that must occur if AAC technologies are to be useful to and accepted by individuals with acquired communicative disorders and their families. The key to successful application of emerging technology rests with language researchers, clinicians and consumers; they must provide guidance to product developers so that new device designs address communication needs in effective and acceptable ways.