Understanding the Relationship Between AT, AAC, and SGDs

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 a long-term need (such as glasses to improve poor vision or AAC to improve communication for individuals 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.