Assistive Technology

What is AAC (Augmentative Alternative Communication)?

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

American Speech and Hearing Association definitions

AAC system

"An integrated group of components, including the symbols, aids, strategies and techniques used by individuals to enhance communication". As this definition states communication encompasses more than just spoken words it includes gestures, eye gaze, touch, body postures/movements, sign language, photographs, printed words, objects, pictoideographs, and Braille.

Aid

Refers to "a physical object or device used to transmit or receive messages (e.g. communication book, board, chart, mechanical or electronic device, computer)" (ASHA, 1991, p. 10).

Lewis, 1993

AAC

A set of approaches that is used to improve the communication skills of a person who does not speak or whose speech is not intelligible.

Augmentative Communication

Approaches are used to supplement, enhance or support the communication processes for persons who have some speaking skills.

Alternative

Approaches replace speech as a means of communication.

 

Who is an AAC Candidate?

• Students who are NOT using speech by 12-18 months of age.

• Students who are NOT being understood by family members, peers, caregivers or school staff.

• Students who are becoming frustrated bytheir inability to be understood by significant others.

Glossary of terms

AAC system
The American Speech and Hearing Association's (ASHA) definition of an AAC system as "an integrated group of components, including the symbols, aids, strategies and techniques used by individuals to enhance communication". As this definition states communication encompasses more than just spoken words it includes gestures, eye gaze, body postures, sign language, photographs, printed words, objects, pictoideographs, and Braille.

Aid
The term aid refers to "a physical object or device used to transmit or receive messages (e.g. communication book, board, chart, mechanical or electronic device, computer)" (ASHA, 1991, p. 10).

Strategy
A strategy is defined is a "specific way of using (AAC) aids, symbols, and/or techniques more effectively for enhanced communication. A strategy, whether taught to an individual or self-discovered, is a plan that can facilitate one's performance" (ASHA, 1991, page 10).

Technique
Technique refers to "a method of transmitting messages (e.g. linear scanning, row-column scanning, encoding, signings, and natural gesturing) " (ASHA, 1991, page 10).

Links to more information

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication

www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Augmentative-and-Alternative.htm

 

YAACK
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Connecting Young Kids (YAACK) is a Web site that covers issues related to AAC and young children.

http://aac.unl.edu/yaack/