The 3 language representation methods
The three most common language representation methods used in Alternative & Augmentative Communication (AAC) are:
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Single-Meaning Pictures
These include Rebus, PCS, some Minspeak symbols and about 20 other symbol sets.
Each picture represents one word, i.e. 
Whilst this approach is popular, easy to understand and works well for some types of word (e.g. nouns), many of the words we use most frequently are not easily represented by a universally recognized picture. For example, try to draw a picture of 'he', 'she', 'it', 'the', 'anyone' or 'his' - and remember that 'his' must be a different picture to the one you used for 'he', 'him' or 'himself'! As a person's vocabulary grows this approach forces them to navigate through thousands of pictures, on perhaps hundreds of pages, which can restrict vocabulary development and their ability to communicate spontaneously.
All PRI Liberator's communication aids are capable of handling a choice of symbols, enabling you to build and link pages for communication. Taking this a step further, Picture WordPower provides a structured vocabulary programme for Vanguard, Vantage, Eco and Pathfinder communication aids.
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Semantic Compaction (or Minspeak)
Semantic Compaction (or Minspeak) was developed by Bruce Baker in 1980, and is used by around 80,000 people worldwide. Minspeak uses multi-meaning icons, linked together in short sequences to form words, phrases, and sentences.
= Hospital 
= I live
The rate of communication, measured in words per minute, can be up to 6 times faster than spelling-based AAC language systems; and whilst you do not need to be able to read or spell to use Minspeak, many people do acquire literacy skills as their communication develops.
Popular Minspeak Application Programmes (MAPs), such as Unity and Language, Learning & Living (LLL), are used by people of all ages and abilities: from starter and intermediate MAPs (usually with 15 or 45 symbols, but sometimes less) to a full 144 key language system designed for truly independent communication. Word-based programmes, such as WordCore, also use Minspeak principles.
The evidence for Minspeak quite literally speaks for itself!
Thousands of people, empowered to say what they want to say as quickly as possible - people who are able to converse with their friends and family, participate in education and employment.
To find out how Minspeak works, please visit the following sites:
Minspeak's success continues to be the subject of many academic papers and independent research studies. Additional information can be found at:
Ongoing investment in Minspeak focuses on developing the range of MAPs, expanding teaching and clinical support, and training for family members, speech and language therapists, teachers and other support staff. Minspeak has been translated into German, French, Spanish, Dutch and many other languages.
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Spelling / Word-based Programmes
Typically incorporating a QWERTY keyboard with word prediction and, sometimes, whole word selection.
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WordCore (extract shown here) and WordPower are powerful communication programmes that combine whole-word selection with a choice of spelling keyboards and word prediction. Literacy is required to use these programmes, and a larger number of keystrokes will be needed than with Semantic Compaction to generate independent communication. |
