Huntsville, AL 35801

AAC

AAC covers the ways that we communicate without speaking, including gestures, using speech generating devices, writing, using pictures, and more. AAC focuses on providing a voice for everyone!

What is AAC?

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) covers ways that people can communicate without speaking, whether they are using gestures, facial expressions and body language, writing, texting, pointing to pictures or letters, using speech generating applications or devices, and more! We all use some type of AAC to communicate with others, and AAC is for everyone! It supports users in expressing their thoughts, making requests, building language skills, increasing vocabulary, and engaging others in conversation.

What types of AAC are there?

If you have ever heard of AAC, you may have heard the terms “low tech” and “high tech.”

Low tech refers to types of AAC that require little to no technology. Low tech may include items such as posters, notebooks, gestures, sign language, visual boards, writing, and the use of pictures.

High tech is a term used to describe AAC that are considered a technological device. This can include items such as phones and tablets, which can have applications and software that generate speech, or dedicated devices, which are types of technology specifically designed and developed to be used for communication. A dedicated device may be handheld, attached to a wheelchair, or set down on a table, and users can access speech options through touch, switches, and eye gaze.

When is AAC used?

AAC is used in a variety of settings and is recommended for a variety of people. AAC is often recommended for those that are nonverbal or somewhat verbal, but anyone can use it. It plays a vital role in language development for children and regaining lost communication skills in adults while offering an alternative way to communicate with others.

AAC can be used in daycares, in school or college classrooms, at work, at the grocery store, in restaurants, at home, and more. Its use may be temporary while someone recovers from injury or improves their verbal skills, or used long term to express thoughts, engage socially, and find their voice. AAC may be recommended when a client cannot communicate verbally consistently, is functionally nonverbal, has limitations that make them difficult to understand verbally, cannot use their voice, lose their verbal abilities (possibly due to traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, or neurodegenerative disease), and more.

With or without verbal abilities, it is essential that people are able to functionally communicate their wants and needs with others.

How do I know if we need AAC?

Simple - if you or your loved one need extra support for verbal communication, you need AAC!

Its use may be short term, used only while someone is in recovery from injuries or surgeries and has lost their ability to speak. Some people benefit from AAC use for a long time and use it as their main form of communication to express themselves and engage with others socially.

AAC may also be recommended for those who struggle with verbal communication, are difficult to understand or unintelligible due to physical limitations, or have difficulties with their voice. It may also be recommended for those who are nonverbal, as another form of communication beyond gestures or body language.

AAC may also be recommended for those who have lost their verbal communication skills following a head injury, a stroke, or as a symptom of a neurodegenerative disease (ALS, Parkinson’s, etc.).

AAC items and devices, whether low tech or high tech, are meant to increase and support communication. The main goal of using an AAC system is functional communication, not necessarily verbal communication; it can support or improve verbal communication by building vocabulary, providing auditory feedback of words, and improving grammar.

What’s the process for getting AAC?

The process for getting AAC depends on the type of AAC recommended. If it’s low tech, it may involve teaching specific gestures or sign language, making picture boards, or providing designated items.

For getting high tech AAC devices, a client can purchase tablets or use their own phone. If they need a speech-generating or designated device, or specific communication applications for personal devices, they may complete a process to acquire funding through insurance, grants, and scholarships. Some programs, such as Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS), have specific clinics for identifying someone’s AAC needs and helping them through the process of getting AAC devices, software, and related equipment funded.

It’s important to note that insurance policies vary in coverage in regards to securing devices and getting funding for them. If you’re not sure what your insurance covers regarding AAC, give them a call!

A speech therapist can complete assessments to determine what types of AAC would benefit you or your loved one, as well as work with insurance to try and get devices covered. The process of funding and receiving high tech AAC devices may take several months, so having some low tech options during this time period may be helpful for clients while they wait for their “voice” to come in.

What’s the treatment for AAC?

Treatment with AAC may look different depending on the user’s needs, the type of device, and the environments which the user frequents!

Treatment with AAC often includes teaching use of the item or device, teaching the user new vocabulary, increasing length of communication by increasing the number of words or items selected, teaching turn-taking skills with AAC, and practicing functional use in a variety of situations and environments. For example, practicing going to the grocery store by using AAC to find food items on a grocery list and requesting listed items, requesting paper or plastic bags for checkout, whether or not one is paying with card or cash, requesting help out to their car, and more.

AAC is meant to be used in all environments, especially outside of the therapy room! Speech therapists can help teach and support skills that allow AAC users to function with their devices in other environments. Treatment often focuses on increasing independence of device use and encouraging use of AAC, as well as advocating for AAC users to be able to access their devices consistently at school, work, and more!