What is AAC?
Otherwise known as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). From the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) website, AAC means all of the ways that someone communicates besides talking. People of all ages can use AAC if they have trouble with speech or language skills. Augmentative means to add to someone’s speech. Alternative means to be used instead of speech. There are various types of AAC. Low tech AAC, Mid tech AAC, or High tech AAC.
Low tech AAC does not include technology and can include:
Mid tech AAC often includes some technology and can include:
High Tech AAC does include technology. These systems are often pricey but offer a spectrum of adaptability options. These systems speak for the individual by pushing a button or a series of buttons. They can be personally adapted for the individual. High tech also includes various adaptive equipment to allow for eye gaze or adaptive switches for people who can't press buttons with their fingers. Some of examples of high tech AAC includes:
Otherwise known as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). From the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) website, AAC means all of the ways that someone communicates besides talking. People of all ages can use AAC if they have trouble with speech or language skills. Augmentative means to add to someone’s speech. Alternative means to be used instead of speech. There are various types of AAC. Low tech AAC, Mid tech AAC, or High tech AAC.
Low tech AAC does not include technology and can include:
- Gestures: like nodding and shaking head or pointing
- Sign Language
- Simple picture boards: click here to see how you can make a DIY communication board at home or various core boards that are available online. Here are some from project core, assistiveware, tobiidynavox, and others.
- Pen and paper: if the person can write or draw, they can use this to communicate
- Letter boards: again, this is for people who are literate, they can point to the letters to spell what they want
- Communication Books: you can put together several pages of pictures and put them in a small binder so the person can flip through and find the picture they want
Mid tech AAC often includes some technology and can include:
- Big/Little Mack by AbleNet: This company makes a line of buttons you can push that will speak a message. They come in big and little sizes and you can even get 2 or 4 buttons together to allow the child to make choices. This is great for early, beginning communicators.
- Go Talk Line by Attainment Company: This company makes a line of devices that have anywhere between 2-32 buttons. You print a piece of paper with the pictures you want and slide it into the device.
- 32-Message Communicator by Enabling Devices: This one is a larger device with spots for 32 pictures that you choose.
High Tech AAC does include technology. These systems are often pricey but offer a spectrum of adaptability options. These systems speak for the individual by pushing a button or a series of buttons. They can be personally adapted for the individual. High tech also includes various adaptive equipment to allow for eye gaze or adaptive switches for people who can't press buttons with their fingers. Some of examples of high tech AAC includes:
- AAC Apps: Many AAC companies make app versions of their devices so you can download them on a smart phone or tablet for the child to use. These are often cheaper than purchasing a dedicated device. Some popular apps are TouchChat, Proloquo2Go, and LAMP Words for Life, TD snap, etc.
- Dedicated Devices: A dedicated AAC Device is one that will only be used for a child’s communication device. These are generally more durable and may have additional hardware that makes them better for use as communication devices. You will also avoid the problem of the child going away from their communication app to play a game or do something else on the tablet. Some popular device makers include: PRC Devices, Saltillo Devices, and the QuickTalker by AbleNet (that works with any AAC app)
AAC in Grandview C4 School District
In Grandview, students are provided with various low, mid, and high tech options. The SLP who works with the student will determine the most appropriate AAC for each student. The SLP will work to provide a device for a student through the district or assist families in getting their own device through various agencies. The high tech options available are:
In Grandview, students are provided with various low, mid, and high tech options. The SLP who works with the student will determine the most appropriate AAC for each student. The SLP will work to provide a device for a student through the district or assist families in getting their own device through various agencies. The high tech options available are:
How to incorporate AAC into school and home?
Introduction to AAC apps
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AAC in Literacy
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AAC in the classroom
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