Introducing Augmentative Communication Systems to the Individual with Aphasia

Augmentative communication systems (ACSs) have been successfully used both to augment and to facilitate the oral communication of some aphasic individuals. However, not all individuals with aphasia benefit from the introduction of an ACS. Some variables for predicting successful acquisition of ACSs by individuals with aphasia have been identified. These variables are discussed within the decision-making matrix proposed by Owens and House (1984) for introducing ACSs with communicatively impaired individuals. The applicability of this decision matrix for the aphasic population is considered.