Is an AAC device the same as having a text-to-speech app on a cell phone?

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is the broader term for using any tool or to aid in communicating, regardless of whether the tool is high-tech (apps, devices) or not (pictures, sign language). Anything that a child or individual uses to communicate in a different way can be AAC. If your child is using a text-to-speech app, that can still count as AAC even if it's not a dedicated AAC device (devices that have well-known/broadly used symbol sets installed on them, like Touchchat, or LAMP).

This is where defining what is included in the AAC system for a child in the IEP can be helpful (e.g. gestures? signs? dedicated AAC device? picture boards? apps?). The IEP can include support for helping your child use their AAC and for helping teachers and other students communicate with them. You can also specify in the IEP if the school is providing AAC or if the family is providing it.

AT is any kind of assistive technology that helps a person with a disability. Generally, AAC is used to refer to speech-generating devices that augment a non-speaker or a limited speaker; it's used to augment speech. AT would usually refer to devices that we use for access to reading and writing such as text to speech and speech to text. There is obviously a lot of crossover. AAC devices are a form of AT, and AT programs can be used to augment someone's communication.

See our full article about AAC for more information.