Understanding AAC and Why It Matters

By: Caitlin Haik , MCD, SLP

What is AAC?

You might be wondering... what exactly is AAC?

Mid tech AAC

AAC Stands For...

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It refers to a wide range of tools and strategies that support individuals with speech and language difficulties in expressing themselves. These methods can either supplement or replace spoken language and include everything from simple gestures and picture boards to advanced speech-generating devices.

AAC is incredibly powerful and can be life-changing for individuals who have difficulty communicating verbally. It benefits people across a wide range of abilities and diagnoses. One well-known example is Stephen Hawking, who used high-tech AAC to communicate after losing his ability to speak due to ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

AAC in Action

Here’s a fun example: If you’ve ever pointed to a picture on a menu because you couldn’t pronounce the name of a fancy dish—congratulations! You’ve used what we SLPs call low-tech AAC. Pictures or simple graphics are considered low-tech in the AAC world!

Steve Gleason, the former Saints safety, is living with ALS, so he uses an AAC device that utilizes eye-gaze technology. This type of AAC uses eye-tracking to allow him to navigate his communication device, and a speech-generating software allows him to communicate effectively despite his physical limitations.

Steve Gleason using his high tech AAC device. Photo by Jackson Hill

In graduate school, I was fortunate enough to visit the Team Gleason office in New Orleans. I learned so much about the cutting-edge technology that Team Gleason provides for individuals with ALS. They actually have SLPs on staff who can help individuals acquire AAC devices after an ALS diagnosis. They truly are the coolest foundation!

What Does the Research Say?

Research consistently shows that using AAC does not hinder verbal language development. In fact, in many cases, AAC can actually support and enhance speech development.

Here are some research articles that discuss this topic:

Perspectives on Communication Disorders

NIH - AAC and Language Development

AAC can be as simple as a core word board—a board with basic, frequently used words—or as advanced as an eye-gaze communication device with sophisticated speech-generating software.

Here are links to some core word boards I’ve used in sessions—they’re totally free!

Saltillo - Core Word Boards

AAC Language Lab - Playground Core Boards

Whether low-tech or high-tech, AAC opens the door to connection, independence, and self-expression—and that’s why it's so important!

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References

AAC Language Lab. (n.d.). Playground Core Communication Boards. Retrieved from https://aaclanguagelab.com/resources/playground-core-communication-boards

Leonard, L. B. (2014). Children with Specific Language Impairment. MIT Press. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017351/

Paul, R. (2001). Language Disorders from Infancy Through Adolescence: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Communicating. Perspectives on Communication Disorders and Sciences in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations, 1(1), 10–15. https://doi.org/10.1044/persp1.SIG12.10

Saltillo Corporation. (n.d.). Chat Corner Content. Retrieved from https://saltillo.com/chatcorner/content/29