AAC- Augmentative and Alternative Communication. What is it?
Virginia Woronoff, M.S., CCC-SLP
Bilnigual Speech Pathologist at Communicate with Kate Speech Therapy
At Communicate with Kate Speech Therapy, we support children to find their voices, empowering them to participate in the world around them. But ‘finding your voice’ doesn’t always mean using spoken words to communicate. Many people around the world use alternative communication modalities and it’s our job as speech therapists to assist children to find the modality that best suits them.
What is an AAC device?
The term AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It refers to all of the ways one can communicate without using verbal language. This encompasses a range from high to low, to no technology options. Some examples of the different types of AAC technology are outlined below.
No Tech
Sign Language
Gestures
Facial Expressions
Low Tech
Drawing
Writing
Pointing (to photos, letters, or words)
Use of picture cards or photographs
High Tech
Using an ipad or tablet
Using a computer with a “voice” (aka: a speech generating device)
What type of AAC device is best for my child?
There are a variety of options when it comes to AAC devices. Factors to consider are: user’s cognitive skills, physical and fine motor abilities, user’s motivators, relevant vocabulary to the user, langauges which are used by the client and price.
Apps
Proloquo2go:
Price: 125 USD
Can be used in English and Spanish or in the “bilingual mode”
Website link: https://www.assistiveware.com/products/proloquo2go
SoundingBoard:
Price: Free Download
Customizable tiles
Website: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soundingboard/id390532167
The research demonstrates that AAC devices are a great way to help aid language development and increase access to communication and self expression. If you think your child would benefit from an AAC device, contact your local SLP today.
If you have concerns about your child’s speech and language development, contact your local speech and language pathologist today.
Written by Virginia Woronoff, M.S., CCC-SLP
Virginia (Gigi) is a bilingual ENG/SPA Speech Pathologist who is passionate about supporting educators, parents and other health professionals working with bi/multilingual children. Gigi is orginally from the USA.