Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
The A-B-C's of AAC
AAC= augmentative and alternative communication
augmentative --> "able to supplement" spoken language
alternative --> "another possibility (in place of)" spoken language
AT= assistive technology, any tool that has the potential to eliminate or minimize a student’s performance challenges across any task and in any environment that is relevant based on their IEP (AAC tools are only one example of AT)
Communication Autonomy= ability to independently express whatever an individual wants, whenever they want, however they want; goal of AAC tools and supports
Robust= describes an AAC system that provides access to thousands of vocabulary words, all word types (e.g., verbs, pronouns), flexibility with word forms (e.g., -ing, -s), an alphabet/keyboard, and customization features to support autonomous communication
SGD= speech generating device
SLP= speech language pathologist, professional providing guidance with AAC assessment and implementation
Light/Low-Tech
non-electronic communication support (often paper-based)
Mid-Tech
battery operated, often limited to a smaller set of vocabulary targets
High-Tech
electronic communication support, often with more advanced processors and access to more vocabulary
Who Benefits from AAC?
Any KIPPster who is unable to meet all of their academic and functional goals with spoken or sign language alone
This may include KIPPsters who are:
non-speaking
minimally verbal/ inconsistently verbal
unintelligible (experience significant difficulty producing clear speech sounds)
Why AAC?
AAC is a powerful tool to support students who are not meeting all of their communication needs with spoken language alone. AAC at KIPP is based on the following:
Championing equity - at KIPP we strive to value all forms of communication from ALL students
FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)- all KIPPsters have a right to the tools they need to access curriculum and participate fully
Learning must go on even when remediation is warranted- AAC supports student engagement
Persisting with purpose and bringing joy!
Why High-Tech AAC?
Robust vocabulary
Auditory feedback
More universally understood across communication partners/contexts
Less reliance on communication partner
Leverages motor planning for efficiency
Fully, easily customizable
Supports literacy
Supports SNUG (spontaneous, novel utterance generation) - does not restrict communication to a limited set of words/phrases, promotes communication autonomy