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Just-in-Time Supports in Augmentative and Alternative Communication

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Abstract

Individuals with developmental disabilities such as autism, physical disabilities, and intellectual disabilities frequently are candidates for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems as well as visual supports. The purpose of this paper is to apply the business construct of just-in-time (JIT) to the field of AAC with particular reference to new possibilities for JIT support arising from the advent of the mobile technology revolution. In addition to a review of the history of JIT within AAC, a taxonomy of JIT supports is proposed. Potential benefits of JIT supports are postulated based on conceptual underpinnings related to working memory demands, situated cognition, and teachable moments. Implications of JIT supports are drawn for both the learner and the communication partners’ competencies. Finally, several directions for future research are posited.

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Notes

  1. The Dynavox is a registered trademarks of Dynavox Inc., Pittsburgh, PA 15203, U.S.A.

  2. The Apple Watch, the iPad and the iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA 95014, U.S.A.

  3. Proloquo2go is a registered trademark of AssistiveWare B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

  4. M-STARR and symbolTalk were both licensed to SpecialNeedsWare, New York, New York, U.S.A. Principles of Symboltalk and specifically the ability to send direct static or dynamic scene cues from one device to another are scheduled to be incorporated in the next release of Autismate 365 and Teachmate 365 scheduled for January 2016.

  5. PlayTalk is a registered trademark of InvoTek, Alma, Arkansas, U.S.A.

  6. Autismate is a registered trademark of SpecialNeedsWare, New York, NewYork, U.S.A.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, 105 Forsyth, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    Ralf W. Schlosser

  2. Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement, Boston Children’s Hospital, Waltham, MA, USA

    Ralf W. Schlosser, Howard C. Shane, Jennifer Abramson & Katherine Dimery

  3. School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, USA

    Howard C. Shane & Anna A. Allen

  4. Language and Learning Centers of America, Wellesley, MA, USA

    Ralf W. Schlosser, Howard C. Shane & Emily Laubscher

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  1. Ralf W. Schlosser
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  2. Howard C. Shane
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  4. Jennifer Abramson
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  5. Emily Laubscher
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  6. Katherine Dimery
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Correspondence to Ralf W. Schlosser.

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Schlosser, R.W., Shane, H.C., Allen, A.A. et al. Just-in-Time Supports in Augmentative and Alternative Communication. J Dev Phys Disabil 28, 177–193 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-015-9452-2

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