AAC Questions

Which of the following is considered a direct selection technique for AAC use?

• Linear scanning

• Physical pressure

• Inverse scanning

• Group-item scanning

Answer explanation

Direct Selection is the act of selecting symbols using one's own volition.

It can either be Unassisted (selecting with part of your body) or Assisted selection (selecting using additional aids)

Physical Pressure is an example of an unassisted direct selection

What is the primary benefit of averaged activation as an activation strategy in AAC devices?

• It reduces the need for fine motor control.

• It allows the user to refine their selection after lifting their pointer.

• It averages touch input to improve selection accuracy for users with tremors.

• It activates a selection only after a set period of contact with the screen.

Answer explanation

Averaged activation analyzes where the user’s touch is most stable over a set period, benefiting users with motor challenges like tremors, enhancing accuracy.

What distinguishes a visual scene display (VSD) from a traditional grid layout?

• It uses letters instead of pictures to represent vocabulary.

• It contextualizes vocabulary in a scene or event

• It restricts the vocabulary to one activity at a time.

• It is limited to decontextualized symbols.

Answer explanation

Which of the following AAC assessment principles aligns with the Participation Model?

• Focus on prerequisites for AAC use.

• Consider communication needs through collaborative family input.

• Limit assessments to formal testing methods.

• Identify qualifying individuals for AAC systems.

Answer explanation

The Participation Model prioritizes removing barriers to communication, emphasizing family and team collaboration rather than outdated candidacy requirements.

What type of scanning technique requires the user to hold a switch down to initiate movement and release it to make a selection?

• Inverse scanning

• Automatic scanning

• Step scanning

• Directed scanning

Answer explanation

Inverse scanning begins when a switch is held down and stops when released, allowing users with good gross motor skills to make selections.

Which vocabulary selection strategy focuses on identifying terms that address the user’s personality, culture, and specific life contexts?

• Environmental inventory

• Core and fringe vocabulary selection

• Feature matching

• Categorical inventory

Answer explanation

Core words are used frequently across contexts, while fringe words are specific to certain situations, ensuring personalization and effectiveness in communication.

Which feature of AAC displays supports efficiency and reduces fatigue by predicting the most likely next word or phrase?

• Encoding

• Iconic encoding

• Dynamic display

• Prediction

Answer explanation

Prediction increases efficiency by suggesting the next word based on prior inputs, reducing effort and fatigue for the user.

According to the principles of vocabulary selection, which of the following is an intrinsic factor to consider?

• Environmental setting

• Age of communication partner

• User’s cultural background

• Type of AAC device used

Answer explanation

Intrinsic factors include personal characteristics like culture, gender, and age, which affect vocabulary appropriateness and relevance.

What is a disadvantage of the blank sheet method of vocabulary selection?

• It is overly structured and inflexible.

• It can be overwhelming for the individual or family.

• It fails to identify vocabulary specific to the user’s needs.

• t excludes input from therapists or teachers.

Answer explanation

While highly personalized, the blank sheet method can overwhelm users or families due to its open-ended nature.

What organizational strategy in AAC layouts involves grouping words based on their grammatical categories to promote language learning?

• Taxonomic organization

• Semantic-syntactic organization

• Pragmatic organization

• Chronological organization

Answer explanation

This strategy organizes vocabulary by parts of speech (e.g., nouns, verbs) to support grammar and language learning.