Ascend Health is a registered NDIS provider operating in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and Sunshine Coast (QLD)
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) encompasses a range of tools, strategies, and technologies that help people with speech or language difficulties express themselves effectively. From simple picture boards to sophisticated speech-generating devices, AAC systems provide vital communication support for individuals with conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, ALS, or speech apraxia. These communication solutions can be unaided (using body language, gestures, or sign language) or aided (utilising external tools like communication boards, tablets, or specialised devices). For millions of people worldwide, AAC serves as a bridge to meaningful interaction, enabling them to share thoughts, needs, and feelings with family, friends, and caregivers. Whether temporary or long-term, AAC interventions play a crucial role in enhancing independence, social participation, and quality of life for people with complex communication needs.
We often categorise AAC systems into two groups
No-tech communication systems do not need any tools, and include:
Low-tech communication systems need some form of external support and the user’s body, and include:
A person may use different types of AAC because there are many ways that we all communicate. An AAC system refers to all the tools of this type that a person uses, offering transformative communication for those who use AAC. These devices are designed specifically for individuals who cannot rely on natural speech.
How do they function?
By integrating these powerful tools, individuals can bridge communication gaps, empowering them to connect more effectively with the world around them.
Imagine how difficult life would be if you are unable to communicate? Communication is a basic human right and the inability to communicate can significantly impact the quality of life of a person. The purpose of AAC is to provide the person with a form of communication. AAC is used by people who, some or all of the time, cannot rely on their speech. AAC incorporates the individual's full communication abilities and may include any existing speech or vocalisations, gestures, manual signs, and aided communication.
A Speech Pathologist may recommend AAC for the following reasons:
AAC provides people with the ability to express their needs and wants, participate in making their own life choices and expressing their opinions, making and maintaining relationships, and making connections with people at school, work, and in the community.
Speech pathologists play a vital role in guiding individuals through the AAC journey. They work closely with individuals to:
Through these comprehensive strategies, speech pathologists empower individuals to communicate confidently and participate fully in all areas of life.
AAC provides people with the ability to express their needs and wants, participate in making their own life choices and expressing their opinions, making and maintaining relationships, and making connections with people at school, work, and in the community.
For individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, or motor difficulties like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, AAC can be a game-changer. It empowers them to communicate effectively without hindering the development of spoken language. In fact, integrating AAC can enhance their spoken language skills.
By facilitating clearer communication, AAC not only supports personal expression but also fosters a sense of independence and connection in various social settings. Whether in educational environments, workplaces, or community interactions, AAC helps bridge communication gaps, enabling individuals to fully participate and thrive.
Personalising an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system is essential because communication needs are unique to each individual. Here's how the process unfolds:
Many users benefit from employing more than one form of communication. This approach, known as multimodal communication, ensures flexibility and adaptability in various situations:
By tailoring AAC systems meticulously, users not only communicate more effectively but also feel empowered in expressing their thoughts and emotions. This bespoke approach ensures that the communication tool grows alongside its user, adapting to their ever-changing needs.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools designed for environmental use play a crucial role in helping individuals engage in day-to-day tasks. These tools leverage visual systems that are both intuitive and accessible.
These AAC tools work by providing clear, visual cues that are especially helpful for individuals who benefit from non-verbal instructions. They promote independence by enabling users to follow instructions at their pace, fostering a sense of accomplishment as they complete each step.
By incorporating these visual supports in their environment, individuals can become more autonomous. This setup not only aids in understanding tasks but also boosts confidence, making participating in various activities a smoother process.
In summary, AAC in the environment paves the way for active involvement by offering structured, visual guidance that simplifies complex tasks and encourages independent participation.
Paper-based AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) systems are tools that utilise physical materials, such as books or boards, to facilitate communication. They often feature an array of symbols, pictures, or words organised in a way that helps individuals express themselves without relying on speech.
Through a combination of intuitive design and functional application, paper-based AAC systems remove communication barriers, fostering more inclusive and effective interactions.
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), signing systems such as Auslan and Key Word Sign play a critical role in facilitating communication. These systems are particularly beneficial for individuals who may not be able to rely solely on verbal communication.
By incorporating these systems into AAC strategies, users are empowered with alternative methods to express themselves effectively and engage with others, tailored to their communication needs.
Research shows that AAC helps people of all ages (even those younger than 3 years old). The earlier you get onto AAC, the more competent the AAC user becomes. There are no prerequisites for AAC!
This is not true! Research has found that AAC in fact does the opposite and promotes speaking. AAC can be seen as a form of learning. Some people are visual learners, some learn by hearing and some learn by touch. AAC incorporates all these forms of learning and provides people with more input and opportunities to learn.
There are many ways to use an AAC system without touching it. Your Speech Pathologist can work with Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists to determine other access methods. Some examples include eye gaze devices, switches and neuronodes.
This is not true. AAC can also be used temporarily in specific situations. For instance, individuals may benefit from AAC after surgery when their ability to speak is temporarily impaired. This short-term application ensures they can continue to communicate effectively during their recovery period.
By integrating both permanent and temporary solutions, AAC provides a versatile approach to addressing various communication challenges. Whether for a brief period or an extended duration, AAC can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.
In Australia, AAC devices are funded for people with disabilities under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). If you have an NDIS plan, speak to your Speech Pathologist about how to get the device funded through NDIS.
Each software system has different functions and needs to be matched to an individual based on their strengths:
Informal Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a crucial element in the communication toolkit, enriching interactions beyond spoken words. It includes natural, non-verbal signals like gestures, head nods, eye movements, or facial expressions.
These informal methods bridge gaps when words fall short, improving mutual understanding even in noisy or complex environments. They offer a universal language that can transcend linguistic barriers.
Informal AAC complements more structured communication aids such as symbol boards or electronic devices from brands like Dynavox or Prentke Romich. By integrating body language and simple signs, users can enhance the effectiveness and speed of their formal AAC tools.
Through informal AAC, individuals can engage more dynamically with others. This spontaneous form of communication invites authentic interaction, fostering stronger relationships and social connections.
In essence, informal AAC enriches communication by making it more flexible, inclusive, and accessible, empowering individuals to express themselves clearly and naturally in everyday settings.
Your support services are designed to address your unique goals and want you to feel comfortable with your ongoing support needs. We arrange an initial meet-and-greet between all our new clients and potential students until you find the right support worker for you.
© Ascend Health 2017 - NDIS registration number 4050028857
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