Augmentative & Alternative Communication
What is AAC?
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is an area of clinical practice that addresses the needs of individuals with significant and complex communication disorders.
AAC may involve a variety of techniques and tools, including low-tech and high-tech approaches, to help the individual express thoughts, wants and needs, feelings, and ideas. Low-tech AAC may include writing, alphabet boards, picture communication boards, line drawings, tangible objects, manual signs, gestures, and finger spelling. High-tech AAC may involve devices, such as smartphones and tablets, or dedicated speech-generating devices (SGDs). In some cases, insurance may cover part or all of the cost of a dedicated speech-generating device when it is deemed medically necessary.
AAC is augmentative when used to supplement existing speech, and alternative when used in place of speech that is absent or not functional. AAC may be temporary, as when used by patients postoperatively in intensive care, or permanent, as when used by an individual who will require the use of some form of AAC throughout his or her lifetime. AAC may serve as a tool to help a person communicate independently as they work on spoken communication in speech therapy.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (n.d.). Augmentative and Alternative Communication (Practice Portal). www.asha.org/Practice-Portal/Professional-Issues/Augmentative-and-Alternative-Communication/
Who may benefit from AAC?
Individuals who may benefit from AAC include:
- Those who are unable to speak due to ventilator dependence, tracheostomy, significant oral or facial trauma, or laryngectomy
- Those with severe motor speech or language impairments such as dysarthria, apraxia, or aphasia
- Those with progressive neurologic diseases, such as ALS
Speech-Language Pathology Evaluation & Therapy
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) have specialty training in evaluating individuals with communication impairments. Your SLP will help you determine whether alternative or augmentative communication is a good fit for your communication needs. Your evaluation for AAC may include:
- Comprehensive evaluation of speech, language, and cognition
- Screening of vision, hearing, and motor skills to determine appropriate AAC approaches and access methods
- Device trials, which may be coordinated with an AAC vendor
Treatment may include:
- Setup and customization of the device
- Training for the device user and their communication partners
- Collaboration with other health professionals
Additional Information
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC,) American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/
International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC): https://isaac-online.org/english/home/
Patient-Provider Communication: https://www.patientprovidercommunication.org/
URMC Speech-Language Pathologists collaborate with several device vendors to offer our patients a variety of options for devices and access methods, tailored to each patient’s specific needs and preferences. For additional information about specific AAC devices, please visit:
Lingraphica
NuMotion Speech Solutions
PRC-Saltillo
Tobii Dynavox