Types of AAC

 

AAC means Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC is anything other than speech that a person uses to help them meet their communication needs. In fact we all use some form of AAC! We are using AAC when we:

  • point or gesture to support what we are saying with our mouth

  • send a text, email, or written note in place of talking to communicate

An AAC system is any device, system, strategy, or tool that supports a person’s communication in addition to or instead of their mouth words.

There are different types of AAC devices, systems, or tools:

  • No tech options

  • Light tech options

  • Mid tech options

  • High tech options

no tech image.png

No tech options are communication methods that use only the person’s body. Examples of no tech AAC are:

  • pointing

  • gesturing

  • facial expressions

  • body language

  • miming

  • manual communication or sign language


Light & Mid Tech.png

Light tech options are communication technologies that are object-based, paper-based, or run on batteries. This includes using:

  • paper and pencil to write or draw to communicate

  • picture or word cards to communicate

  • picture or word boards to communicate (like these free options)

Mid tech options are communication technologies that are usually battery-powered devices on which you can record messages to communicate. Mid tech options include:

  • single message voice output devices

  • static display (single page) voice output devices

 
Dedicated Devices.png

High tech options are electronic devices that need to be recharged or plugged in. High tech options include:

  • smart phones or tablets (using texting/typing features or specialized communication apps)

  • dedicated speech generating devices, or SGDs

Dedicated SGDs are devices made specifically to be used as communication tools. SGDs use computer generated speech.

 

Most people who use AAC use a range of tools to help them communicate. Anyone with a high tech system needs to have a light tech back-up system to fill-in when their electronic device is not working (like when the battery dies) or is unavailable (like while bathing).

Learn more about the options available to support people who struggle to communicate using spoken language. Check out our curated list of companies that sell products that support communication HERE.