AAC

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

What is AAC?

AAC can be either low-tech or high-tech supports that help people who either have limited, unintelligible or no verbal speech. This can look like a Core Book with pictures of words, a "Big Mack" voice output button, a picture exchange system or an iPad with a communication app. Your child will need lots of support learning what the words on the page mean, when is the right time to use the words and how to to use them. Think of it as a whole new language they need to learn!

How Can You Help at Home?

Make sure you have access to the same AAC at home that is used in the classroom. Contact your school SLP if you are not sure what system your child is using. There are 7 main strategies to help support AAC language use at home.

(This information is part of a packet produced by the Specialised Assistive Technology Centre, SPD in conjunction with the AAC for Caregivers program. www.spd.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Manual-AAC-for-Caregivers-2019.pdf)

Resources

Northwest Augmentative Communication Society - www.nwacs.info Local non-profit organization that hosts trainings for families and professionals, links to resources and organizes Smooth Talkers - a meet-up for AAC users and their family members in East King County.
Praactical AAC website - www.praacticalaac.org - website by AAC specialists for families and professionals with resources and support materials.
AAC Calendar for Activities/Strategies at Home - https://sites.google.com/view/escdaac/aac-calendar
Information and Research on AAC and the development of verbal speech - https://www.assistiveware.com/learn-aac/roadblock-aac-will-stop-a-person-from-learning-to-speak
Blogs and Social Media for Families of Students with Disabilities - https://sites.google.com/view/inclusivelearningtechnology/communication/family-connections