All About AAC
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to ALL methods of communication other than natural speech.
AAC tools help individuals with speech and/or language difficulties communicate with others.
Types of AAC
No Tech / Unaided
This type of AAC doesn't require anything but the communicator's own body such as gestures, facial expressions, eye gaze, body language, etc.
Low Tech
Low tech AAC usually refers to paper based tools - such as pencil and paper, picture icons, communication boards, etc.
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Mid Tech
Mid tech AAC refers to devices that require a battery but have limited functionality - such as single message buttons or static display voice output devices.
High Tech
High Tech AAC refers to computer based voice output systems that are usually more sophisticated and robust such as dedicated speech generating devices or mobile tablets with a communication app.
Who Uses AAC?
Technically, everyone! We all use a variety of methods to share our thoughts, ideas, feelings, and needs with others. You are using AAC any time you use gestures or facial expressions to clarify or emphasize your speech OR when you use them instead of talking all together.
Though some people rely on AAC tools to communicate more effectively and/or more fully.
People who use AAC, or AAC users, are individuals who's speech and/or language abilities are not meeting their communication needs. There are many reasons an individual might need AAC to either support or replace their speech to communicate, though some common diagnoses amongst AAC users include: developmental delays, autism, down syndrome, motor speech disorders (e.g., apraxia, dysarthria), cerebral palsy, physical impairments, cognitive impairments, traumatic brain injury, degenerative diseases (e.g., ALS, Parkinson's), stroke, cancer, etc.
For Community Members!
I asked a group of AAC users, "What do you want community members to know about AAC and/or AAC users?"
See the quotes below for their responses!
A tip for community members!
AAC can slow down communication - when interacting with someone who's using AAC please be patient while they formulate their messages and don't try to fill in their sentences or talk for them (unless they ask you to).
You can also use AAC to communicate with others and support language and learning for all! Use what you have access to: gestures, pictures, pen/paper, etc.
Click the button below to access a digital core communication board. You can use it on a mobile device or computer, or print it out.