ABSTRACT
The protocol items are based upon meaningful nonverbal and verbal interactions observed between children that use augmentative and assistive communication (AAC) and communication partners in their homes, schools, and communities. The protocol takes account of the importance of emotional competency, an important developmental area recognized by researchers Na, Wilkinson, Karny, Blackstone and Stifter. The findings from the protocol as a part of a complete AAC assessment yield a multimodal communication plan including nonverbal, vocal, verbal, low technology communication boards and tools, and high technology speech generating devices that nurtures communication and participation development between a child with a complex communication profile and known, familiar, and unknown communication partners across environments. The protocol, Hear Me into Voice, honors the contributions that children with complex communication and physical profiles make as individuals. Speech-language pathologists, educators, interventionists, family members, and others are each encouraged to complete a protocol to represent professionals' child’s breadth of communication across people, situations, and environments.
