Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)
No- Tech or Low-Tech options
No- tech or low-tech options include:
- Gestures and facial expressions
- Writing
- Drawing
- Spelling words by pointing to letters
- Pointing to photos, pictures, or written words
High-tech options
High-tech options include:
- Using an app on an iPad or tablet to communicate
- Using a computer with a “voice.” This is also known as a speech-generating device
Common Concerns
You may have questions or concerns about using AAC. Know that we have years of experience studying and working closely with AAC. We’ve learned a lot along the way from the research and we are excited to share it with you!
Age, Skills, and Timing
Some people wonder if children need to be a certain age before they can use AAC. Research shows that AAC helps people of all ages – even those younger than 3 years old! There are no thinking skills, test scores or other milestones that you need to reach before AAC can help.
Talking and Motivation
People often wonder if using AAC will stop someone from talking or slow down language development. This is not true! AAC can actually help with these concerns. AAC acts as a tool to support language development and promote communication along the way. People who use AAC can also learn how to read and write.
Movement
You might wonder how someone can use AAC if they have trouble moving their arms and hands. There are many ways to use an AAC system besides touching it. At Kefi, we love working with other providers such as your occupational therapists (OTs) and/or physical therapists (PTs) to find the best way for each person to use their AAC system effectively.
