AAC

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Augmentative communication means to add something to speech, and Alternative communication means to be used instead of speech.

These options help people who are non-speaking or have limited verbal language. AAC can be used temporarily or long-term. When most people think of AAC, the first thing that comes to mind is a speech-generating device. This is just one form of AAC, and it is considered to be a high-tech option. There are also no-tech and low-tech options available.

Examples of no-tech options would be gestures, sign language, and even facial expressions.

Examples of low-tech options would be using pencil and paper to write or draw ideas and pointing to a picture in a communication book.

There are many common misconceptions about AAC, including the myth that AAC replaces verbal communication.

Research has shown that AAC actually helps facilitate language!