AAC Information for Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers

Your AAC questions answered! Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC, is a complex topic. It can be overwhelming to learn about, get, and support AAC. Our goal is to answer the questions you have. Have a question you would like us to address? Send us a request!

These resources are for educational purposes. Use of any information provided on this website is at your own risk, for which NWACS shall not be held liable.

NWACS is working to update our website. We would love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for how we can improve. Please use this NWACS Website Feedback Form. (If you identify as an AAC user, please use this link.)

New to AAC?

Learn more about what AAC is and who it is for:

AAC Myths & Facts - learn about common AAC myths (and the facts debunking them)
Types of AAC - learn about different types of AAC
Communication Ability Levels - learn about one way to describe a person’s communication skills
AAC / AT Glossary - learn what acronyms, concepts, and terms mean
Recordings of Past NWACS Information Nights for Caregivers - watch recordings of information nights hosted by NWACS (2020 - 2022) on a variety of topics

Getting started with AAC?

Check out our Family AAC Handouts (downloadable/printable):

Also available in Spanish (thank you to the volunteers that helped with the translations!):

Looking for information specific to your child’s age?

Check out our AAC Across the Lifespan collection! Or jump to an age range:

Birth - 3 years (Early Intervention)
- explore related blog posts
3 - 5 years (preschool)
- explore related blog posts
5+ years (school-age)
- explore related blog posts
Adolescents (high-school and transitioning to adulthood)
- explore related blog posts
Adults with Developmental Disabilities
- explore related blog posts
Adults with Acquired Communication Impairments
- explore related blog posts

Resources to Explore:

AAC & Consent, Safety, Dignity - a collection of information and resources about the prevention of abuse, harm, and infantilization
AAC and Literacy - a collection of information and resources about literacy development and instruction
AAC and Transition Planning - a collection of information and resources related to planning and supporting AAC users through changes in teams and stages
Emergency Preparedness - a collection of information and resources about preparing for emergencies and disasters

Get Connected!

Finding a community and support network can make all the difference.

Join the NWACS Family AAC Group on Facebook - based in Washington State; centers the family perspective on AAC
Watch the NWACS Outreach Committee page for upcoming events
NWACS also offers AAC Learning Network events that you may find interesting and helpful
Subscribe to our email list (there is a form at the bottom of this page to subscribe)
Many AAC companies have Facebook groups that can be a place to connect with a support network