AAC & Communication

Overview: What is AAC?

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to the tools, strategies, and supports that help people communicate when speech alone does not meet their needs. AAC can supplement existing speech ("augmentative") or serve as a person's primary way to communicate ("alternative"). It includes both unaided methods, such as gestures and sign, and aided methods, such as symbol boards, communication books, and speech-generating devices and apps. AAC supports expression, comprehension, participation, and social connection across home, school, work, and the community.

Who May Benefit

People of any age may benefit from AAC, including individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and intellectual disability; individuals with acquired conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or ALS; and individuals with temporary communication needs. AAC is appropriate whenever a person's communication does not fully meet their daily needs. There are no prerequisites for AAC, and use of AAC does not prevent or slow the development of speech.

Common Access Barriers

Barriers can include limited availability of appropriate tools, gaps in assessment, insufficient training for the person and their communication partners, physical or motor access challenges, cost and funding hurdles, limited vocabulary or customization, and low expectations from those around the AAC user. Environments that do not model or accept AAC can also limit successful communication.

Assistive Technology & Strategies

Approaches range from no-tech and light-tech (gestures, sign, symbol boards, communication books) to high-tech (speech-generating devices and communication apps on tablets). Strategies include aided language modeling, core and fringe vocabulary, robust language systems, partner-assisted scanning, and access methods such as direct selection, eye gaze, and switch scanning. The right combination depends on the individual and is typically identified through assessment.

Implementation Considerations

Successful AAC depends on more than a device. Consider vocabulary organization and growth, positioning and access, consistent modeling by communication partners, availability across all environments, backup or low-tech options, and ongoing customization as skills change. Implementation is a team effort involving the AAC user, family, educators, and clinicians.

Funding / Acquisition Options

Depending on the situation, AAC may be funded through health insurance or Medicaid (often as durable medical equipment or a speech-generating device), school systems for education-related needs, vocational rehabilitation, private pay, loan or trial programs, and charitable or nonprofit assistance. Requirements and processes vary; documentation from a qualified evaluation is often needed.

Training & Education

Training helps AAC users and their communication partners use tools effectively. This can include learning device features, vocabulary and language modeling, partner strategies, and integration into daily routines. See the Professional Learning section for related educational activities.

Research / Evidence

A body of research supports the use of AAC to improve communication and participation. This page summarizes general, publicly available information for educational purposes and does not report original research findings from Accessibility Clinic. Individuals should consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to their situation.

Related Resources

This section will grow to include curated links to reputable organizations, assessment tools, vocabulary resources, and communication-partner guides. Community-contributed resources will be reviewed before publication. For additional educational background on AAC and other assistive technology topics, see AssistiveTechnology.org's Assistive Technology 101 overview.

Related Products or Technologies

A range of AAC applications and speech-generating devices are available from various manufacturers. Product information here is educational and not an endorsement. Any commercial products or manufacturers will be identified transparently. AcademicVoice, if referenced in the future, is a commercially developed AAC application from a separate private company; Accessibility Clinic does not own, develop, or sell AcademicVoice, and it is not required to participate in any Accessibility Clinic program.