Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) refers to methods of communication other than speech that can help people who have difficulty communicating verbally. AAC benefits a wide range of individuals, from beginning communicators to more advanced users who generate their own messages. There are two main types of AAC: unaided systems that do not require equipment and rely on the body, such as signing and gestures, and aided systems that use tools or devices to produce messages, including communication boards, assistive technology, and voice output devices. AAC can benefit anyone with a disability affecting communication, as well as their family members. Determining eligibility for AAC involves considering an individual's cognitive and physical abilities, important vocabulary, motivation to use AAC

2. Thingstobe
considered:
Definition
Types of AAC
Who Benefits?
Eligibility for AAC
Persons Involved
ALTERNATIVE AND AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION

3. DEFINITION:
• various methods of communication that can help people
who are unable to use verbal speech to communicate
• benefit a wide range of individuals, from a beginning
communicator to a more sophisticated communicator who
generates his own messages
• includes all forms of communication (other than oral
speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants,
and ideas
ALTERNATIVE AND AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION

4. Unaided
Systems
Do not require
special
materials or
equipment
Rely on the
user’s body to
convey
messages
Signing and
gestures
Aided
Systems
Require the
use of tools
or
equipment
Devices
that
produce
voice output
Charts,
books,
assistive
technology
TYPES OF AAC:
ALTERNATIVE AND AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION

5. TYPES OF AAC (UNAIDED SYSTEM)
ALTERNATIVE AND AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION

6. TYPES OF AAC (AIDED SYSTEM)
ALTERNATIVE AND AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION

7. WHO BENEFITS?
• any person with disability that has
difficulty in communication
• family members and other significant
others
ALTERNATIVE AND AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION

8. ELIGIBILITY:
The following factors need to be considered:
1. What are the individual's cognitive abilities?
2. What are the individual's physical abilities?
3. What is the most important vocabulary relevant to the
individual?
4. Is the individual motivated and interested in using AAC?
5. Always enlist the expert help of a speech language
pathologist, occupational therapist, or other AT professional.
ALTERNATIVE AND AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION

9. speech-language pathologists
physical therapists
occupational therapists
educators
other professionals
1
3
2
4
5
Persons Involved
ALTERNATIVE AND AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION