G.+Social+Issues


 * Pragmantic Features** are the social rules that govern communication. There are appropraite ways to initiate, engage in and conclude communicative interactions. These social rules often change from situtation to situation and from person to person. For example, the way one greets a buddy ("Hey, "Yo") is different than the way one greets a stranger ("Excuse me", "Hello"). Augemented communicators often need direct instruction, modeling and practice using the pragmatic features of language.

For simple conversation, the following are the minimum skills/vocabulary needed: In addition to these 4, the following are other pragmatic functions include: turn taking, listening, questioning, etc.
 * 1) Initiation: way to start the conversation
 * 2) Commenting: a way to express agreement, disagreement or neutrality
 * 3) Repair: a way to seek or provide clarification when communication break down
 * 4) Termination: a way to end a conversation


 * Cultural Sensitivty:** Cultural differences may influence many aspects of AAC system use. Be aware of these differences and adjust accordingly.


 * Non-verbal communication**: Additionaly, as communicators, we utilize a complete repitiore of non-verbal social communication cues such as eye gaze, gesture, facial expression. Augmetned commnicators that area able to incorporate these skills into thier communication interactions are often more succesful.


 * Communication Partner Training:** Many times communication partners that are unfamiliar with AAC systems do not know how to engage augemented comunicators. Here are some suggestions:


 * 1) Ask the augmented communicator his/her conversational preferences
 * 2) Use appropriate turn-taking
 * 3) Don’t interrupt inappropriately
 * 4) Give system operator equal communication time
 * 5) Practice active listening strategies (pause, wait, be patient)
 * 6) Restate information to confirm understanding
 * 7) Ask for clarification if you don’t understand
 * 8) Be motivated to interact and attend to all communication acts (not just the device)
 * 9) Communicate at eye level
 * 10) Direct your conversation to the AAC communicator
 * 11) Use a normal speaking voice (i.e. volume, rate, prosody, etc.)