Authors: Natalie Alborés, NSW
Year: 2012
Event: 2012 TheMHS Conference
Subject: ACROSS THE LIFESPAN, AUTONOMY, EMPOWERMENT, Treatment and co-ordination
Type of resource: Conference Presentations and Papers
ISBN: 978-0-9757653-8-8
Abstract: Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. AAC could be used highly effectively and efficiently in the mental health field with a number of patient groups thereby this paper hopes to describe personal experiences using AAC with patients in a long stay mental health facility. The use of AAC could be more beneficial for patient’s presenting with mental health disorders in that it could assist with addressing communication difficulties being faced by the patient themselves along with those around them. AAC could do the following for patients in mental health settings:
• Assist the patient to communicate with those around them
• Further develop their language skills
• Overcome language difficulties / breakdowns (ESL)
• Decrease frustrations when messages are not understood
• Decrease isolation, increase socialisation participation of patients
• Increase quality of life
• Assist with rehabilitation and vocational demands
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