Knowra Augmentative and alternative communication Augmentative and alternative communication Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) comprises methods and tools that supplement or replace speech for people with complex communication needs. It ranges from gestures and picture boards to speech-generating devices.
Communication board : A surface displaying symbols, letters, or words that a person selects to communicate. Boards provide a low-tech way to organize AAC symbols for pointing or partner-assisted selection.
Symbol-based communication : Communication using signs, pictures, objects, or other symbols to represent meaning. AAC symbol systems draw on this broader way of representing messages.
Autism : A neurodevelopmental condition involving differences in social communication, interaction, and restricted or repetitive patterns. Some autistic people use AAC to supplement or replace spoken communication.
Speech therapy : Assessment and treatment addressing speech, language, voice, fluency, and related communication needs. Speech therapy can support spoken communication while also assessing and teaching AAC.
Speech-generating device : An electronic device that produces spoken output from selected text, symbols, or recorded messages. These devices turn AAC selections into audible speech.
Direct selection : Choosing a target directly, such as touching a symbol or activating a switch. It is a common method for entering messages into AAC systems.
Cerebral palsy : A group of permanent disorders affecting movement and posture from early brain development. Motor and speech impairments associated with cerebral palsy can make AAC useful.
Oralism : An educational approach that prioritizes spoken language and lip-reading over signed communication. Its emphasis on speech contrasts with AAC’s acceptance of multiple communication modes.
Picture Communication Symbols : A widely used set of simple line drawings representing words and ideas for communication and education. Picture symbols are among the visual vocabularies used on AAC boards and devices.
Switch access : Using one or more switches to control a device or make selections. Switch scanning can provide AAC access when precise pointing is unavailable.
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