Assistive Technology (AT). Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Speech Generating Devices (SGDs). How are they all related?
Assistive technology is any piece of
- equipment,
- software, or
- product
that helps
- improve,
- maintain, or
- increase
the ability of a person with disabilities to participate in activities or complete daily tasks. AT can be a temporary solution to increase the functional abilities as someone recovers from an illness or injury (such as crutches or a wheelchair for a broken leg). Or AT can be a long-term need (such as glasses to improve poor vision or AAC to improve communication for people who are not able to meet all of their communication needs through verbal speech).
As this infographic illustrates, speech generating devices (SGDs) are an example/type of augmentative-alternative communication (AAC). And AAC is a type of assistive technology (AT). AT encompasses all forms of AAC, including SGDs.
The infographic shows three nested circles. The largest circle represents AT/Assistive Technology: any item that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.
The middle circle (inside of AT) represents AAC/Augmentative Alternative Communication: any device, system, strategy, or tool that supports or replaces verbal speech.
The smallest circle (inside of AAC) represents SGD/Speech-Generating Device: a piece of technology that creates voice output.
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