AAC systems need to be organized. They need to be organized for the user to be able to access symbols. They need to be organized for the communicative partner to understand. A thoughtfully organized AAC system can include focus-first ordering of symbols. Focus First is a method created and in development by Hannah Julien and Alaina Kelley.
Focus First is a method of organizing items on a page that is different from traditional organizations that are based on semantics or based on English word order. "Focus" refers to the symbol that represents a salient object or sensory experience for the AAC user. For example, a focus symbol could refer to a ball. The symbol of the AAC system may include a drawing of a ball, a photo of a ball and/or the written word, ball. With Focus First, the array of focus symbols is the first linguistic choice that the AAC user encounters when communicating.
The AAC designer can be flexible in choosing the symbols that follow the focus symbol. Some examples may include: communicative functions (e.g. 'Look,' 'Let's go,' 'All done'), describing words (e.g. 'It's hot,' 'It's fuzzy'), or a blank page (signaling the AAC user to wait for a response from their communicative partner).
Focus First allows us to better know that our understanding of a symbol and the user's understanding are closely matched.
Focus First capitalizes on joint attention to salient objects and sensory experiences.
Focus First creates a teaching moment by starting with joint attention and ending with a less ThinkAboutAble (tangible) concept.
Focus First allows the user to develop flexible understanding of the functions of communication. This is a considerable task. for many reasons.
With thoughtful implementation, Focus First decreases the likelihood that the user will only communicate to request preferred objects and sensory experiences.
