What is AAC?
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) encompasses a wide range of processes and procedures that increase, supplement or replace speech and/or its understanding in people with complex communication needs (ASHA, 2021).
The term augmentative refers to the application of methods and procedures as an addition to existing, but insufficiently developed speech, while the term alternative communication refers to the application of techniques and procedures that completely replace speech that is not developed in people (ASHA, 2021). By applying augmentative and alternative communication techniques, whether it is manual signs, gestures, communication boards or devices with speech synthesis, a person has the opportunity to express their wishes, needs, opinions, ideas, in a way that the environment understands them (ASHA, 2021). The application of the same allows a person to better understand the environment that surrounds them. Therefore, we can say that the AAC system includes all those components that enable effective communication.
AAC modalities
There are two AAC modalities:
- Modalities of communication without tools (they do not require any tools other than the person’s body).
- Modalities of communication with tools (require external tools).
Types of AAC without tools
- Sign language (comprehensive communication system with its grammatical rules and word movement).
- Gestures/idiosyncratic signs (adapted signs and gestures that encourage communication functions),
- Vocalisation (used to attract attention, express feelings or involve others in communication).
- Emotional states (to express feelings and involve others).
Types of AAC with tools
- Low-tech tool: communication boards, books and notebooks.
- Mid/Light tech tool: communication devices with a static screen and digitised (recorded) sound recording.
- High-tech tool:
- Applications and software for communication (various applications/softwares that can be used on IOS, Android and Windows devices and do not require specialised hardware.)
- Specialised devices with voice output (provide better connectivity with other custom equipment and greater support from hardware and software manufacturers.)
Access (how the user interacts with AAC)
There are three types of access to AAC:
- Direct access (the person selects the target part by pointing with a finger or another part of the body, including gaze control).
- Indirect access (the person chooses with a switch or another way when they are offered a visual/or auditory choice).
- Partner assisted scanning (the partner offers choices visually or auditory until the person expresses his choice).
Assessment for the introduction of AAC should be considered when a child or adult has complex communication needs that limit their equal participation in communication.
Introduction of AAC
The AAC system must be constantly available to the user – everyone who surrounds the child/user must be familiar with their way of communicating. Education of all communication partners about AAC and support during introduction should be considered. AAC tools should not be used to ask the user where a particular word is located, but should be used to achieve functional linguistic expression for various communication purposes. When planning therapy and support, it is necessary to rely on scientifically based language stimulation strategies that would also be used with non-speakers. The goals should maintain developmentally and pragmatically appropriate language skills and be functional and based on the needs of AAC users.
Resources
- Augmentative and alternative communication professional guide. New Jersey:
Speech-Language-Hearing Association
https://www.njsha.org/pdfs/brochure-aac.pdf - Šušak, M. (2023). Augmentativna i alternativna komunikacija u ranoj dobi kod djece s autizmom. Sveučilište u Zagrebu: Edukacijsko-rehabilitacijski fakultet
https://zir.nsk.hr/islandora/object/erf%3A1440/datastream/PDF/view
Remark: The photos used in the article are property of Josip Matos PS and can be published and used only for the purposes of Plural words project and educational purposes.
