Manual motor-plan similarity affects lexical recall on a speech-generating device: Implications for AAC users

• We describe the effect of speech generating devices (SGDs) on how people remember words.
• We compare recall via speech generating devices with recall by speaking.
• When using an SGD, people remember words as motor plans, as when typing.
• Maximizing use of motor memory may improve SGD design and intervention.

Language production via high-tech alternative/augmentative communication (AAC) devices involves use of motor sequences that are determined by the visuo-spatial characteristics of a particular device. The current study uses traditional short-term memory tasks with device-based output to demonstrate that typical talkers show a trend toward device-specific modality interference in short-term device-based recall. The theoretical implications of these early findings with regard to models of working memory and the clinical implications are discussed.Learning outcomes: (1) Describe two modalities of non-phonological short-term storage, (2) List a potential effect of SGD-based output on modality of short-term word storage, (3) Describe a theoretical implication of device-based representations with regard to models of working memory, and (4) Describe a clinical application of the concept of motor memory in AAC.