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AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

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Overview

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) programs and devices are used at home and at school to help kids communicate their wants and needs. If your child would benefit from AAC, what's the right program or device for them? Learn about some of the most popular options and how to get training and funding for them.

What is AAC, and what kinds of programs and devices are available?

AAC can be anything from an iPad app to a computer with text-to-speech software to a dedicated, portable device. For the many people with disabilities who have difficulties with spoken communication, AAC devices and programs can bring language alive and make communication possible. This comprehensive article explains why it’s never too late to learn AAC, what kinds of devices and programs are available, and how to find funding for them.

Contents

Overview

What is AAC, and what kinds of programs and devices are available?

How do I get my child assessed for AAC?

Where can I find resources for AAC?

Learn about AAC

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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) 101

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Top AAC Programs and Devices to Know About

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Undivided Live: Ask Me About AAC with SLP Ali Steers

AAC in School

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AAC in the IEP: Goals and Examples

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Best Reading and Literacy Resources for AAC and Text-to-Speech Users

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Getting the Most Out of Remote AAC Therapy & Assessments

Related Parent Questions

Parent Question

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?

For children with speech or language issues or those who are nonspeaking, AAC offers alternative ways to communicate, from writing in a notebook to using gestures or pressing buttons on a tablet that speaks for the child.

Parent Question

How do I know if my child needs AAC?

A child could benefit from an AAC device if they have difficulties speaking verbally, are speaking verbally unreliably, or are unable to speak verbally. A speech therapist can advise whether your child has the ability to develop intelligible speech without augmenting their communication.

Parent Question

How will I know what kind of AAC device my child needs?

A professional who is knowledgeable about AAC programs and devices will take many variables into account when helping you determine what system is going to work best for your child. An evaluator will look at access, environment, and portability.

Related Video Clips

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How to Start Using AAC

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What is the difference between AT and AAC?

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Debunking the Myth: AAC Doesn’t Inhibit Verbal Speech

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The Benefits of Virtual AAC Therapy

Latest Resources

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Incorporating Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in IEP Goals

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The Importance of Reinforcing Independent Communication

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How Every Child with a Disability Can Learn to Communicate

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How Every Child with a Disability Can Learn to Communicate

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Parent Question

How do I hold the school accountable for providing AAC services for my child?

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How Do Parents Regulate Their Child's Screen Time When They Use It for Communication?

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How Do You Know if Your Child Has A Device Addiction

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How A Device Addiction Can Look Different For a Child With a Disability

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Why AI Can Be an Adaptive Tool for Inclusion for Kids with Disabilities

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Connecting Through Communication: For Kids With Cerebral Palsy

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The Journey to AAC Requires Patience, Practice, and Perseverance

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How Kelley Coleman's Son Normalizes His AAC as Part of His Advocacy

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Increasing Communication and Engagement in Kids with Disabilities

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AAC Devices and How Every Child with a Disability Can Communicate

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Top AAC Programs and Devices to Know About

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Parent Question

Should my child use their AAC at home and at school?

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Parent Question

How do I write AAC goals into my child's IEP?

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AAC in the IEP: Goals and Examples

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AAC vs. AT Assessments

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The Basics of AAC (Augmentative Alternative Communication)

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Ask Me About AAC with SLP Ali Steers

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How to Make Virtual Therapy More Fun and Engaging

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The Biggest Mistake Clinicians and Families are Making with AAC

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The Benefits of Virtual AAC Therapy

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Author

Brittany OlsenUndivided Editor

An editor and cartoonist who loves using words and images to simplify and share ideas. She has ten years of experience as a copy editor and lives near Portland, Oregon. She often spends her free time going on nature walks with her dog or trying new bread recipes.

Reviewed by Jennifer Drew, Undivided Senior Editor

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