Augmentative Alternative Communication
AAC is a tool, strategy, support or any form of communication used in addition to or in place of the spoken word.
The International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) defines AAC as a combination of tools and strategies that individuals use to face their daily communication challenges.
The AAC systems allow people with significant language difficulties to communicate effectively, helping them to interact with others in social media, to express their needs, desires and opinions and to make decisions in complete autonomy. This allows to promote their social inclusion and their development.
COMMUNICATION PARTNERS
Also known as communication partners, these are all the people who interact directly with an AAC user. They can be family members, friends, therapists, teachers, etc. They are interlocutors, responsible for the creation of a positive communication environment, teaching by “modelling” and building as many opportunities as possible for interaction and development.
5 most common AAC myths
AAC WILL KEEP A PERSON FROM TALKING
FALSE – This myth is based on the belief that using AAC means giving up on natural speech. The truth is that AAC can increase speech production.
A PERSON CAN BE TOO IMPAIRED TO BENEFIT FROM AAC
FALSE – This myth is based on the assumption that a person’s cognitive and/or physical abilities are too severely impaired. The truth is that breathing is the only prerequisite for AAC – it can be used by anyone, regardless of diagnosis or impairment level.
AAC SHOULD BE USED AS A LAST CHANCE
FALSE – This myth is based on the belief that having some speech is enough for basic communication. The truth is that limited speech makes it difficult for someone to express what they truly want or feel, and therefore limits their ability to participate in daily life.
LOW-TECH AAC MUST BE USED BEFORE INTRODUCING HIGH-TECH DEVICES
FALSE – the provision of AAC tools and techniques does not follow any order. It’s a series of decisions made and revisited regularly based on the individual’s current and future skills and needs.
A CHILD CAN BE TOO YOUNG FOR AAC
FALSE – This myth is based on the belief that introducing AAC at an early age will impede the development of natural speech. The truth is that AAC improves natural speech and grows language skills.
These are the applications or programs installed on your device. They have several functions and allow communication (via images or text) with voice output, encourage literacy and allow full control of the computer through the use of eyes, touch or other access methods.
They are the physical components used for communication, created specifically for AAC.
They allow the user to interact using different access methods such as looking, touching, scanning or combined methods.
