AAC, What's That?

By Sarah Killinger


AAC is an acronym for "Augmentative and Alternative Communication". AAC is a method of communication for people who have yet to develop speech, or have lost their speech. There are several ways to augment communication including both high tech and low tech approaches. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP’s) analyze the person’s language skills and develop a plan to aid their communication skills according to their individual strengths and communication needs. An emergent communicator may begin manipulating simple pictures representing an object they would like (e.g. a picture of their favorite toy). For example, the SLP may want the child to either point to the picture or hand them the picture before they get what they are requesting thus teaching the child communicative intent. The idea is that the child would use the pictures as a method of requesting the next time they want the object. In a case in which an adult loses their speech due to a physical change (e.g. voice problems or ALS), a low tech method of augmenting communication may be appropriate. Typically, in these cases, the person has not lost their language abilities, rather just the physical ability to produce speech. The speech therapist may recommend an AAC method as low tech as writing their message with a pen and paper, or recommend a speech generating device. Speech generating devices also range from very low tech to high tech. An example of a low tech speech generating device for this type of client is a “text to speech" device (e.g. shown above) in which the person types a message into the device which directly generates speech. Some high tech devices have a language system that users learn and utilize to produce speech. There are several different systems, each with their own unique features, which can be selected to meet an individual’s needs. The language system shown below uses a set of symbols when combined in short sequences produces speech as advanced as everyday conversational speech. The wonderfully unique quality of these types of devices is that they can grow with the user. The SLP can program these devices to accommodate an emergent communicator by reducing the number of symbols seen on the screen; as well as program the device for an advanced communicator by including additional symbols and even a “text to speech” option! Consult with your SLP to develop a plan that is as unique as you / your family member. Check back to the CSTC blog often for more information on AAC options.

Sarah earned her bachelors degree in Linguistics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and her Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Eastern Michigan University.  She has worked in nursing homes as well as outpatient clinics.  Her special interests areas are: Early childhood development, autism, apraxia, aphasia and swallowing.  She has earned her certificate of clinical competency (CCC) from the American Speech-Hearing Association.






 Picture sources: http://www.prentrom.com/unity and
 http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Speech-Generating-Devices 



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