Different physicochemical properties of entirely α-glucan-coated starch from various botanical sources.

Unlabelled: Amylosucrase from (AS) synthesizes α-1,4 glucan polymer from sucrose. In this study, we coated various botanical sources of raw starch with an α-glucan layer generated by AS to improve physicochemical properties. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that all surfaces of the starch granules were successfully coated via the AS reaction.

Centering the family in their system: a framework to promote family-centered AAC services.

Families are the most significant communication partners for an individual with complex communication needs. Even though family-centered approaches are recommended to support augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services for an individual, it is difficult to establish a successful plan that fits each individual's family. A framework for practitioners is proposed to effectively obtain and understand information about a family's unique dynamics as part of service delivery to positively impact AAC device uptake and long-term use.

Personalized AAC Intervention to Increase Participation and Communication for a Young Adult with Down Syndrome.

Many adults with Down syndrome (DS) experience difficulty with speech production, and intelligibility challenges and communication breakdowns are common. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention can provide important supports for persons with these complex communication needs, but must be customized to address the goals, strengths, and needs of the individual. This article provides a description of a personalized AAC intervention for a young adult with DS whose speech was frequently unintelligible.

Using AAC video visual scene displays to increase participation and communication within a volunteer activity for adolescents with complex communication needs.

Volunteer activities can provide opportunities to learn new skills, build social networks, and contribute to enhanced self-esteem. Volunteering also provides a positive contribution to society, and an opportunity to participate in activities that may differ from those in paid employment. People with severe disabilities and complex communication needs, however, may face significant barriers in participating and communicating in volunteer activities.