This study examines linguistic co-occurrence patterns in the discourse of individuals with communication impairments who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices in the workplace by comparing them to those of non-AAC users in similar job settings. A typical workweek (≈ 40 hours) per focal participant (four AAC; four non-AAC) was recorded and transcribed to create a specialized corpus of workplace discourse of approximately 464,000 words at the time of this analysis. A multidimensional analysis of co-occurrence patterns along functional linguistic dimensions, following Biber (1988, 1995) [ Variation across Speech and Writing. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; Dimensions of Register Variation: A Cross-Linguistic Perspective. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press], reveals differences in the macro discourse characteristics of AAC vis-a-vis non-AAC texts. Results indicate that AAC texts make use of more informational, non-narrative, and explicit textual features of discourse than their non-AAC counterparts. Implications to improve the capabilities of AAC devices to produce speech that matches baseline expectations of co-workers in the workplace are discussed.

The focus of this article revolves around discourse markers (DMs) that are used when switching between work talk and small talk in workplace interactions. Research in this field has showed how discourse markers are used to manage several interpersonal dynamics in interaction. This study is aimed at identifying which DMs are used in the workplace to operate a shift of topic, how often DMs are used at the juncture of interaction, and what are their specific pragmatic and discursive function when they are used in these situations. This study is based on a workplace small-talk corpus of spoken American English. Results show that DMs are often used to mark the shift to a different topic or mode of discourse; in particular, shifts to work talk are marked more often than shifts to more small talk on different topics. Also, speakers may select different DMs based on the type of shift. The role and function of the highest-ranking discourse markers were observed, as well as pragmatic implications and impact in the daily interactions among co-workers.

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AAC Languagebased Model for Assessment and InterventionSuccess is the final stage of building on a strong foundation.For people who rely on AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) and for those who have the responsibility of providing services to them, the process of achievingsuccess can be one of the greatest challenges faced in life. Success may only be reached through the application of a structured and scientific approach to assessment and intervention. The AAC field's focus is moving away from an assessment of devices who can use what type of AAC device and a concentration on the technology per se onto the development of effective interventions (Sevcik and Romski, 2000). This paper offers some suggested guidance for pursuing an evidencebased approach to this process. The following model conceptualizes an alternative to a technology and featurefocused assessment and intervention process. The model serves as a metaphor for building success on a strong foundation. Starting at the bottom, each level of the process should be completed and supported with evidence before moving up to the next level. A multidisciplinary team approach is recommended with each level of decision being led by an

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