Augmentative Alternative Communication

AAC stands for Augmentative Alternative Communication and is a method to either improve or replace speech for individuals with developmental disorders (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorders, Apraxia), congenital disorders (e.g., Cerebral Palsy), or acquired disorders (such as after a stroke). 

We strongly believe that everyone deserves a voice and with new technologies, AAC makes access to language an amazing possibility. We complete evaluations and assist with acquiring funding through insurance and grants so that our families are able to obtain their own devices. Children who are non or minimally speaking who use AAC have increased outcomes for vocational opportunities, literacy skills, language skills, and overall improved quality of life. AAC as a term includes low or no tech systems (communication books, sign language, picture symbols) and high tech systems (speech generating devices). 

As an adult with Aphasia, an important part of speech therapy is finding different ways for you to communicate. Your therapist will help you develop alternatives to talking, such as using gestures, writing, drawing or communication charts. Communication charts are large grids containing letters, words or pictures. They allow someone with aphasia to communicate by pointing at the word or letter to indicate what they want to say. For some people, specially designed electronic devices, such as speech generating devices (SGDs), may be useful. SGDs use a computer-generated voice to play messages aloud. This can help if you have difficulty speaking but are able to write or type. There are also apps available on smartphones and computer tablets that can do this.

For more information, please visit: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/