About Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Communication is a human right. AAC helps achieve the right to communicate. AAC supports children and adults to express what’s on their hearts and minds.
Learn more about AAC at the links below:
Check out what AAC looks and sounds like!
Communication is Storytelling
We all have stories to tell.
Stories about our day. Stories about the important people in our lives. Stories about the special animals in our lives. Stories about where we are from and what we believe in. Stories about our dreams and hopes for the future. Everyone has a right to tell their own story.
AAC includes the body, strategies, tools, and technology.
- AAC using the Body:
- Voice, Eye Pointing, Body Movements: Communication Dictionary according to PrAACtical AAC
- Signs: Signing Time Kids, Signing Time Kids Dictionary, Signing Time YouTube signing songs feature a variety of kids signing the words
- AAC Strategies:
- AAC Tools:
- Mid-tech recordable voice-output devices like these by Ablenet or these by Enabling Devices
- Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) communication books
- AAC Technology:
- AAC device = speech-generating device (SGD) = communication device
- AAC devices and AAC apps include robust language systems using symbol-supported words to make sentences, keyboards with all the letters of the alphabet and word prediction to write words, and genuine voice options that best reflect the individual’s age and identity.
- An AAC device might be funded through an individual’s insurance (dedicated device) or paid for out of pocket (AAC app) or loaned by a school district or local organization.
- Many high-tech AAC software provide some bilingual language and voice options
- AAC Access to Tools & Technology:
- AAC can be accessed directly with fingers, a stylus, eye gaze, or indirectly using auditory scanning or switches.
- Alternative Access for AAC by PrAACtical AAC
- AAC Device and Technology Companies:
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