Over the past decade, therapists, teachers and parents of people who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) have become increasingly aware of the limitations of using scripted messages. The use of pre‐recorded messages and limited access to vocabulary restrict users of AAC in terms of what they can communicate and negatively impacts the authenticity of their interactions with communication partners. The AAC system can therefore become a hindrance rather than a facilitator in such interactions. It is not surprising, therefore, that parents often prefer not to use their child’s AAC device at home. This presentation will explore a new approach focused on meaning‐making in interactions between people with severe communication difficulties and their communication partners. The theoretical basis is described in Prof Alant’s book Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Engagement and participation,  published in 2017. She will discuss the challenges of using AAC technology in interactions between users of AAC and their communication partners, and highlight ways of conducting partner training.

This presentation will address the following:

• The theoretical perspective, highlighting the main components (ie intention, inter‐subjectivity and exchanges) of a meaning‐based approach to communication
• A protocol to assess engagement and participation based on the three components
• Case studies that highlight specific strategies to facilitate meaning‐based interactions
• Intervention strategies to facilitate meaning‐making

Please see the event attachments for the programme and registration form.