What Is AAC?

Effective communication means the successful sharing of our thoughts and ideas.  Getting our meaning across to another person is more important than the form of communication.

All people use many forms to communicate, based on the situation and the person we are talking with.

Augmentative and alternative communication, or "AAC", refers to the use of different modes to communicate, including signs, gestures, alphabet boards, pictures, and technologies or apps with voice output (sometimes called "speech generating devices").

AAC can help all people – from toddlers to the elderly – to successfully communicate.  Some people will need to use AAC throughout their lives.  Some people may only need to use AAC temporarily.

The goal of AAC is to provide a way for a person to say what they want to say when they want to say it, in a way that can be understood by the person with whom they are communicating.

Augmentative Communication:  Some people can use their speech effectively, some of the time.  However, if they are talking with someone who is not familiar with the way they talk, or if they are tired or stressed, speaking can be difficult or impossible.  In this case, using different modes such as gestures, writing, or speech generating devices is adding to, or augmenting their speech.

Alternative Communication: Some people cannot produce speech at all.  They may have lost the ability to speak due to illness or accident, or maybe they never had the physical ability to speak.  For these people, AAC is truly alternative to speaking.

How to get started?

The first step may be putting together a team of professionals experienced in AAC, usually led by a speech-language pathologist with training and experience with people who use AAC.  Other professionals may include occupational or physical therapists, or other assistive technology specialists.  (Find a USSAAC member who can help at Member Finder (USSAAC) or ASHA ProFind - Communication help near you). The person who can benefit from AAC and their family will be an important member of the team.  An evaluation will determine what kind of AAC can help.  Selecting, designing and customizing an AAC system is just the first step in the process.  Ongoing supports for the individual may be needed as well as training for their communication partners.