Communication

Assistive Technology for Communication: AAC

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC refers to all of the ways a person communicates other than speaking. People of all ages can use AAC to communicate if they have trouble with speech or language skills. Augmentative means adding to someone’s speech. Alternative means something is used instead of speech. Some people use AAC throughout their life. Others may use AAC only for a short time, like when they have surgery and can’t talk. There are a lot of different types of AAC, including high technology options, mid technology options, and no technology options. See below for further explanation of high-, mid-, and no-tech AAC options.

A person may use a combination of different types of AAC because there are many ways that we all communicate, regardless of the presence of speech or language disabilities. For example, sometimes we may pick up the phone to call a friend, using spoken language to communicate. Other times, for any variety of reasons, we may opt to text that friend using a combination of written language and memes or GIFs instead of using spoken language. This is an example of utilizing an augmentative and alternative form of communication.

Source: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/

No and Low Tech AAC Systems 

• gestures and facial expressions

• signing

• writing

• drawing

• spelling words by pointing to letters pointing to photos, pictures, or written words

Mid Tech AAC Systems

• simple, battery-operated electronic devices requiring limited advancements in technology

• recorded voice output buttons/switches

• static display paper overlay devices

High Tech AAC Systems 

• using an application on an iPad or tablet to communicate 

• using a computer, or dedicated device, with a “voice," sometimes called a speech-generating device