An overview of how AAC tools can overcome accessibility barriers and facilitate accessible learning.

A child with a tablet displaying an AAC app. The screen shows eight charaters, each with a different colour and emotion, with the top four labelled "I don't like it", "I like it", "awake", "content", "scared", and "Quiet". Another individual is beside the child

Communication and Speech Disability

AAC apps support individuals with communication and speech disability. These apps are designed to provide alternative means of communication, enabling people who need them to express themselves effectively despite their challenges. According to Moorcroft et al. (2019), AAC strives to enable users to fulfill their diverse communication needs through methods that are clear, precise, efficient, independent, and socially respected.

Here are several ways AAC apps can be beneficial:

Enhanced Communication: AAC apps offer tools such as text-to-speech, symbol-based communication, and customizable vocabulary sets. These features allow users to convey their thoughts, needs, and emotions more clearly, fostering better understanding and interaction with others.
Increased Independence: By providing a reliable means of communication, AAC apps empower individuals to participate more actively in daily activities, make choices, and express preferences independently. This autonomy can significantly improve their quality of life.
Support for Diverse Needs: AAC apps are often highly customizable, allowing users to tailor the interface and content to their specific communication needs and preferences. This flexibility ensures that the app can grow and adapt as the user's skills and requirements evolve.
Social Integration: Effective communication is key to building and maintaining relationships. AAC apps facilitate social interactions by enabling users to engage in conversations, share experiences, and connect with peers, family, and the community.
Educational Support: In educational settings, AAC apps can aid in classroom participation, comprehension, and academic performance. They provide students with the tools needed to communicate with teachers and classmates, access curriculum content, and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding.
Therapeutic Benefits: Speech-language therapists often incorporate AAC apps into their therapy sessions to reinforce language skills, practice communication strategies, and track progress. These apps can serve as both therapeutic tools and day-to-day communication aids.

Unreliable Speech

Many AAC apps come with extensive, customizable vocabulary sets, allowing users to expand their expressive capabilities and communicate more precisely and meaningfully. Damon Kirsebom, a non-reliable speaker, shared his experience in a blog post by United for Communication Choice (2018). Although Damon can produce speech, he often finds that what he says is not what he intends. In the video, Damon explains, "When people see me typing, they always realize I am authentically expressing my thoughts". He describes his journey from being misunderstood and frustrated due to repetitive speech and unreliable verbal communication to gaining the ability to express himself independently through typing. Initially, Damon used a laminated card to spell out words with assistance. Over time, with much practice, he progressed to typing independently using an iPad or keyboard. Despite the challenges he faced in initiating and planning motor movements, Damon now speaks the letters and words as he types. His story highlights the significance of AAC tools in bridging the communication gap for non-reliable speakers like himself. This journey underscores how AAC apps can transform the lives of individuals with communication and speech disability by providing them with a platform to convey their authentic thoughts and achieve greater independence.

An image of an individual with a tablet displaying an AAC device in front of them, and appears to be aiding their communication. Another individual has a finger pointing to the tablet screen.

An individual using an AAC device to communicate, showcasing how technology can empower individuals to express themselves confidently.

How could AAC tools be used to support accessible Learning?

AAC apps can significantly enhance accessible learning by providing students with speech and language impairments tools they need to actively engage in educational activities. These apps offer customizable features, such as text-to-speech, symbol-based communication, and interactive learning modules, which can be tailored to individual needs and learning styles. By enabling students to communicate their thoughts, ask questions, and participate in classroom discussions, AAC apps ensure that all learners can access the curriculum and demonstrate their knowledge effectively. Moreover, these apps can integrate with other educational technologies, offering seamless support across various learning platforms and settings. This integration not only aids in the comprehension and retention of materials but also fosters an inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.

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