Augmentative & Alternative Communication

What is Augmentative & Alternative Communication?

AAC is the use of strategies or tools to compensate for a severe communication disorder in order to enhance the individual’s ability to participate in life’s activities.

For whom is AAC appropriate?

AAC should be considered for anyone with a severe speech-language disorder for whom speaking and writing is insufficient to meet communication needs. These could be children with delayed or disordered speech and language, perhaps due to autism, apraxia of speech, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, genetic syndrome, or traumatic accident. AAC is also appropriate for adults with acquired speech and language disorders such as aphasia, apraxia or severe dysarthria due to a stroke, traumatic injury or degenerative disease.