What is AAC? A practical introduction for families

AAC is a way to support communication

AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication. ASHA describes tools and approaches that support or complement speech, including gestures, pictures, communication boards, writing, and speech-generating devices. A person may use several methods in different situations.

You might hear AAC described as low-tech or high-tech. A paper board and an electronic communication app are different examples. The useful question is what allows a particular person to express what they want to say.

Think beyond choosing a tablet

A tablet can be part of an AAC system, but the hardware is only one consideration. Vocabulary, language, access method, portability, support, and personal preferences also matter. ASHA emphasizes individualized systems and the role of speech-language pathologists in AAC assessment and support.

If you are exploring AAC, ask for help from a speech-language pathologist with AAC experience. Bring the communicator’s priorities into the conversation, including the topics and people that matter to them.

Questions to bring to an AAC conversation

• How does this person communicate now, and what do they want to communicate more easily?
• What languages and personally meaningful words should be available?
• How will they comfortably access the system?
• Can we explore suitable options before choosing?
• What support will communication partners need?
• What will we use when the main device is unavailable?

Write down specific situations. “I want to talk with my cousin about music” tells a team something different from “we need more words.”

Include the communicator in the plan

Decisions about vocabulary and everyday use should include the person who will use the system. Their interests may be different from the adults’ priorities. A family may focus on meals or schedules while the communicator wants to talk about a favorite game, person, or song. Make space for both.

Ask what they like or dislike about an option, using a communication method they can access. Treat their preferences as useful information, and revisit them as needs change.

Use our printable as a supporting resource

Our free low-tech AAC board includes 20 original pictures paired with words. It will not fit every communicator. Individual vocabulary, familiar photos, different symbols, spacing, or another access method may be needed.

Keep a person’s existing AAC available. Share the board with their support team and discuss whether it is useful alongside their individual system. Our Give Someone a Voice program is another place to explore our communication-access mission.