PrAACtical Considerations: Prestored Messages in AAC, Part 2

Last week, we discussed the important role that prestored messages can play in a robust AAC system. As an exclusive way to store messages in an AAC tool, they are overly limiting, but when used together with single words and spelling, they can make communicative exchanges more timely, efficient, and effective. 

Today, we dive into different categories of messages that AAC users and their service providers should consider when customizing speech-generating devices and AAC apps. For most individuals, emergency messages are a high priority and focus on the health, safety, and well-being of the individual. After identifying an initial set of time-sensitive situations for which emergency messages should be added, it can help to review these periodically and adjust them as needed. 

We hope the examples shared here provide a range of ideas, though the particular messages should, of course, be individualized based on the person’s needs. 

Medical Conditions

• “My asthma is kicking up. Get my puffer, please.”
• “I’m having a back spasm. Take me out of my chair.”
• “I think my sugar is off. Can you do a finger prick to check my levels?”
• “I’m in a lot of pain. Don’t leave until we figure this out.”
• “I think I’m going to have a seizure. Get help if you don’t know what to do.”
• “I didn’t get the right pills. Help me.”
• “My breathing is off. I’m not sure what is going on, but it feels serious.”
• “It feels like I’m having an allergic reaction. Get the epipen ready and stay with me.”

Basic Needs

• “I need to use the restroom ASAP. Hurr,y please!”
• “That medication made me nauseous. I think I’m gonna be sick.”
• “Something is hurting me. Go through the body parts, and I’ll tell you where the worst pain is.”
• “I’m scared. Can you help me?”

Other Emergencies

• “Please don’t leave me by myself. Wait until my caregiver shows up.” 
• “Yikes! I just remembered that the mortgage needs to be paid.”
• “My oxygen isn’t working right. I need you to check it out right now.”
• “Something doesn’t feel right at all. Help me figure it out.”
• “My wheelchair isn’t working right. Don’t leave until we get this fixed.” 

Messages for emergency-related situations differ greatly depending on the individual situation. These needs can change over time so it’s important to revisit them and make adjustments so that the AAC user has the messages they need for the current situation.

Stay tuned for future posts where we list messages for very different purposes, such as personal reporting and self-advocacy.