AAC refers to ways of communicating other than using your voice to speak. AAC can be used by people at any age and for varying lengths of time - some people may require AAC on a temporary basis while others may use AAC as their main form of communication throughout their life. Augmentative means to add to or increase someone’s speech. Alternative means a different choice for communication instead of speech.

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There are many varieties of AAC: no-tech, low-tech and high-tech. The “tech” refers to the level of technology required to use a particular version of AAC. Some examples of no-tech or low tech are: gestures, sign language, facial expressions, pointing to pictures or words, writing or drawing, or communication boards. Some examples of high-tech are: devices that use pre-recorded messages, voice amplifiers, devices controlled by eye-gaze, or a tablet or computer that generates sound replicating a voice (these devices are referred to as “speech-generating devices”). More than one type of AAC may be used to support overall communication and this is referred to as an “AAC System”.

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Who Can Use AAC?

There is no age-requirement for using AAC - people of all ages who have limited speech, difficulty talking or who are non speaking can benefit from AAC to help increase the effectiveness of their communication. People who experience the following conditions may benefit from AAC:

• Stroke
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Surgery
• Cerebral Palsy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Autism
• Apraxia of Speech

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An important note: Using AAC does not prevent speech from developing or returning. AAC can be a way to “bridge the communication gap” while working toward the goal of using spoken language. 

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Benefits of using AAC:

• Increased Independence
• Reduced ‘guessing’ and frustration during communication
• Increased participation in social interactions
• Opportunity for increased employment opportunities

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How Speech Therapy Can Help:

A Speech-Language Pathologist (also referred to as a speech therapist or SLP) is trained to evaluate and treat people who may benefit from AAC. AAC becomes a person’s ‘voice’. It is important to begin using the AAC system or device everywhere you go. The SLP can train the individual as well as family members on the best ways to use an AAC system or device and strategies to maximize communication effectiveness during daily routines. AAC may take time and practice in order to adapt to a new style of communication, but it is an effective way to allow the AAC user to communicate their thoughts, feelings, needs and wants.

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