A method of partner assisted scanning (see below) in which the items are named or read aloud to the user.

A physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation, focusing on the ability to perform functional activities.

A method of communication developed by Pyramid Educational Corporation, in which the communicator picks up one or more symbols and hands them to a partner (Beukelman & Mirenda, 1998)

A method of partner assisted scanning (see above) in which the communication partner points sequentially to the items on the display. Typically, people learn to point to each row first. Once the individual signals the correct row, then they point to each item in the row until the individual signals a selection.

The tangible qualities of a device, such as dimensions, weight, and construction materials. These qualities affect the usefulness of a device to a user. For example, a device that is large and bulky may not be portable.

A rate enhancement technique in which the device or the communication partner guesses the end of a word or phrase, based on previous selections. There are many types of prediction used in devices, some more sophisticated than others.

A method of communication involving no technology in which the partner identifies (by naming or pointing) the items in the selection set and waits for the user to signal (via a sound or a movement) the item he/she wishes to communicate. This can be done with one-by-one with items in a linear array (e.g. A,B,C,D....) or via a group-item strategy (e.g. A - G, H - L, etc.) gradually narrowing down the selection. It can also be done with words and phrases rather than letters of the alphabet. For more information on this useful technique, visit the Auditory Scanning and AAC Website or read about "Auditory Scanning" on the Augmentative Communication News Website.

A professional who helps to restore or improve motor functions in individuals with muscular problems

When one or more communication partners can affect the selection of messages by a user either consciously or unconsciously. Examples include Facilitated Communication (FC) through a touch of the hand or single-switch scanning through extensive cueing or partner assisted scanning (PAS) through intonation patterns.

Symbols that resemble their referents (what they represent). For example, a pictograph of a horse has a body, a head, four legs and a tail.