Module 4: Augmentative and Alternative Communication
What Do We Mean by the Term AAC?
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a variety of tools and technologies that assist anyone to communicate their thoughts, ideas, and needs. Students with complex needs and multiple disabilities often rely on one or more AAC systems to enhance their personal communication and interact more widely.
An AAC system can be made up of several components to meet specific student needs, and these can include unaided, low-tech, and high-tech devices. The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) on the students’ team is there to help you. The SLP can demonstrate what the AAC does and how to use this. The SLP can train the team to feel more confident in using the AAC and will collaborate with the team to program the device and develop the system.
Watch a video that shows how Ava communicates using high tech AAC technology. (3 mins)
Let’s look at the different kinds of AAC used in schools. Some of these are:
- Unaided AAC (gestures and signs)
- No tech and low-tech systems (communication boards)
- High tech systems (eye gaze systems)
Unaided AAC
Unaided AAC is a type of AAC where the person uses only their own body to communicate. No extra equipment is needed, and a good example of this is the use of sign language (in Canada we generally use American Sign Language, knows as ASL).
Many students with complex needs communicate using unaided AAC such as gestures, facial expressions, vocalizations, and body language.
No Tech and Low-tech Systems
No tech and low-tech systems are ones that use little or no electronic technology. An example of a no-tech AAC system is PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). Other examples are communication books, core and fringe flip books, PODD (Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display), E-Tran (Eye Transfer), and Partner Assisted Scanning.
Low-tech systems are simple technology-based voice output devices that help a student to say a single, or a series of, pre-recorded messages. Examples of these are BIGmacks, the Step-by-Step Communicator or the Go Talk 9.
High-tech Systems
High-tech AAC relies on powered technology to provide voice output for the student. These systems assist the student to communicate simple or more complex messages using word prediction to create the combination of words into sentences.
These high-tech systems include the use of iPads/tablets to run communication apps such as TouchChat, Proloquo2Go and Compass for PODD. Some apps offer ways to use pre-recorded or synthesized messages, for example: TapSpeak Sequence or the ChatterBoards app. High-tech devices can accommodate direct access (iPads) and eye gaze access such as the Communicator 5 by Tobii Dynavox or the Accent by PRC.
Watch the YouTube video below to learn more about Eye Gaze Technology. (2 mins)
It is important for teams supporting students using high-tech AAC to have training with individual AAC systems. The SLP on your team can help you to learn the basics of programming and guide you to user manuals, videos, and online resources to support your learning.