AAC
Augmentative/alternative communication.

Abbreviation Expansion
A keystroke-saving feature offered by many computer communication software programs. This feature allows users to type two or three letters to abbreviate short phrases or sentences. When the user puts in these letters, an entire phrase or sentence can be produced.

Alternative Communication (Usually combined with augmentative communication)
A method of communication which replaces natural speech which has been lost through disease.

Alternative Keyboard
A keyboard that can be attached to a computer that is designed differently than a standard keyboard, usually with modifications for a disabled user.

Augmentative Communication (Usually combined with alternative communication)
A method of communication that supplements natural speech which has become impaired through disease. Augmentative communication methods include signs and gestures, writing, alphabet boards, word charts, etc. Some augmentative communication systems incorporate electronic components such as computers and printers.

Dedicated Electronic Communication Device
An electronic communication system that is designed solely for the purpose of communication. Contrasts with such devices as computers, which can perform a variety of functions in addition to communication.

Digitized Speech
Artificial speech that has been compiled from recordings of human speech. Digitized speech has excellent intelligibility, but is less flexible than synthesized speech.

Direct Selection
A method of choosing a language item from a communication system by pointing with a part of the body or an implement. This selection technique may be used with both electronic and manual communication systems.

External Printer
A printer that must be attached to a device in order to produce a hard copy.

Eyegaze Systems
Allows full access to a computer via a mouse emulator controlled through the user’s eye movement.

Handheld
Small and light enough to be carried in the user’s hand.

Hard Copy
Written or printed output of an AAC system.

Head Controlled Mouse
Allows full operation of the computer via a mouse emulator controlled through the user’s head movement.

Keyboard Emulation
Translates the signals produced by an alternative device into a form which a computer cannot distinguish from normal keyboard input.

Laptop
Aid can be carried on a laptray of a wheelchair or mounted to the chair, but is too large or heavy for ambulatory use.

Levels
A method of storing messages. Where messages are assigned a specific level and location within that level.

Line Display
A soft copy display of a device’s output, which may consist of one, two or four lines, or multiple lines on a computer’s display screen.

Morse Code
A system of dots and dashes that can stand for the letters of the alphabet, numerals and punctuation, produced through a single or multiple switch.

Mouse Emulator
A device that provides full mouse functions but with modifications for a disabled user.

Notebook
Small and light enough to be carried in the hand, on a strap, or in a bag by an ambulatory user.

Number of Message Areas
The number of locations on a device’s display that can be programmed with messages. Some devices only allow a fixed number of messages to be programmed, while others are variable.

On-Screen Keyboard
A keyboard displayed on the screen of a computer that allows selections to be made from it via a mouse or mouse emulator.

Portability
The degree to which a device can be carried by the user; usually determined by the size, weight and method of charging the device. Can be described as handheld, notebook, laptop or stationary.

Rate Enhancement
A feature that increases speed of communication. Abbreviation expansion and word prediction are two rate enhancement techniques.

Scanning
A method of selecting items in a communication system. The items are presented to the user in a fixed sequence. The user waits until the desired item is presented and then chooses it. This selection technique may be used with both electronic and manual communication systems.

Selection Technique
The technique by which the user selects symbols for communication. This includes scanning, direction selection, and encoding.

Stationary
Must be used in one location; cannot be carried from place to place unless mounted to some type of carrying device, due to size and/or weight. Method of charging may also require attachment to an external power source.

Symbol System
The system used by a device to symbolize and create messages; can be pictographic or letters of the alphabet.

Synthesized Speech
Artificial speech that has been formulated by electronically combining sounds to produce words. Intelligibility ranges from poor to excellent. Generally has a more artificial sound than digitized speech, but is more flexible, as messages need not be prepared in advance.

Traditional Orthography (TO)
Letters of the alphabet.

Wireless Microphone
The microphone and amplifier are not directly connected through a wire, but through an infrared transmitter.

Word Completion/Word Prediction
A keystroke-saving option offered by some communication devices and programs. Allows the system to "guess" what the user is typing. As letters are typed, the computer offers a list of words which match the letters already entered. If the desired word is on the list, the user selects it and the computer types the remaining letters automatically (word completion). The computer then offers list of words which may follow the word just entered (word prediction).