In using augmentative devices, which of the following should be considered?

• A. costs
• B. reliability
• C. strategies
• D. maintenance

Answer: (C)

Using augmentative devices successfully hinges on how the user will actually communicate with them. The most important consideration is the strategies for using the device—how messages are encoded, how vocabulary is organized, how the user accesses symbols or text, and how communication partners support turn-taking and interpretation. These strategies determine whether the device enables meaningful participation across everyday settings, from home to school to work, by matching the tool to the user’s goals and routines. Costs, reliability, and maintenance matter as practical, real-world factors that affect feasibility and sustainability, but they don’t in themselves drive how effectively the device supports communication. The strategies chosen—training, goal-oriented vocabulary, and collaborative use with communication partners—are what translate the device into functional, meaningful interaction.