This section of the website is dedicated to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. It also includes information about video relay and other assistive technology and services to support people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
This leading assistive technology, Proloquo2Go, works on the iPad and promotes both expressive and receptive communication. The child featured in this video has autism and was non-verbal for many years. Here, Charlie's mother explains how AAC became the gateway to his growing ability to express himself.
AAC has the potential to play a dramatic role in promoting communication among people with special needs. AAC can be no-tech, low-tech or high-tech, ranging from ASL to communication boards to digital AAC involving a tablet, computer, or smartphone. Following are some links to articles, websites, and various forms of AAC to explore. You will note there are some dedicated devices such as Dynovox listed on this page. However, tools that run on more mainstream platforms may have advantages in terms of being more ubiquitous and flexible.
Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS): Boardmaker (Low Tech AAC)
Proloquo2Go (runs on an iPad)
Autismate -AAC runs on an iPad and is designed to assist users who have difficulty communicating verbally. It can be used to create visual schedules and customized learning vocabularies.
ASHA: American Speech-Language and Hearing Association
Fluent AAC - Includes introductory information and free printables.
Article: Assessment with Children who need Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Article: Just-in-Time Supports in AAC
Mobile devices have made rapid inroads in a market that used to consist primarily of stand-alone and dedicated devices such as Dynovox. However, in recent years, common mobile devices and tablets like iPads and Smartphones have become increasingly popular options. In the video at right, a father describes his daughter's use of Proloquo2Go.
The devices featured in the video below feature other assistive technologies that support communication among those with special needs.
These systems support those who are deaf by through the use of live interpreters.
The video posted above shares a first-hand perspective on how video relay services help people who are dear, hard-of-hearing or speech impaired to communicate with hearing people in real-time via an ASL interpreter. It replaces TTY or Text telephone.