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Communication

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes all the ways someone communicates besides using an oral language. People of all ages can use AAC if they have difficulty with speech or language skills.

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The essentials

The different types of AAC

Please note that AAC systems can help to support or develop spoken language; they do not prevent this. AAC comes in all shapes and sizes and is generally broken up into two categories: Unaided and Aided AAC.

Unaided AAC (No-Tech)

Communication methods that do not rely on any external tools or devices. Instead, the person uses what they already have available, typically their own body. These methods are often called 'No-Tech AAC' as they do not utilise any form of technology. Examples include eye gaze and eye contact, facial expressions, body language, gestures, and manual signs.

Aided AAC

Communication using an external device to support and aid communication. These devices can be broken into two categories, Low-Tech and High-Tech.

Low-Tech AAC

All external devices that do not contain batteries. These include, but are not limited to, Aided Language Displays, PODD books, Communication Books, and PECS.

High-Tech AAC

All external devices that contain a battery. These devices contain different layouts: static displays have a fixed layout that does not change, like a keyboard or a communication board with a voice output (i.e., GO-Talk), while dynamic displays have an interactive layout that can consistently be adapted and changed (i.e., tablet or computer based communication programs such as Proloquo2go, Lamp, TD-SNAP, PODD, GRID).

Finding the right fit

Choosing the right AAC system

It is important that you consult with a speech pathologist to ensure the right AAC is chosen for yourself or loved one. Please note that AAC can be made accessible for individuals of all ages using switches, touch access, or even eyegaze.

Speak With Us offer comprehensive AAC trials and assessments. Visit our assessments page for more information on this assessment process.

Common questions

Frequently asked

Do I need a doctor's referral?
No referral is needed for private clients. You can contact us directly and we will guide you through the next steps before your first session.
Is this covered by private health insurance?
Most private health funds offer rebates on speech pathology, and the amount depends on your level of cover. We provide an invoice you can submit to your fund. If you have NDIS funding, we are happy to talk through the options with you.
Where do sessions take place?
We offer sessions in our Hawthorn clinic, as mobile visits at home, kindergarten or school, and via telehealth. We will discuss what works best for your family when you get in touch.
What ages do you work with?
We support AAC exploration and use across the lifespan, from early language in toddlers through to school-aged children, teens and adults.

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Reach out today and one of our friendly clinicians will talk through your communication goals and the next steps. No waitlist, supporting all ages.

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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)  includes all the ways someone communicates besides using an oral language. People of all ages can use AAC if they have difficulty with speech or language skills. Please note that AAC systems can help to support or develop spoken language; they do not prevent this.

AAC comes in all shapes and sizes and is generally broken up into two categories: Unaided and Aided AAC.

Unaided AAC  are communication methods that do not rely on any external tools or devices. Instead, the person uses what they already have available—typically their own body. These communication methods are often called ‘No-Tech AAC’ as they do not utilize any form of technology. Examples of Unaided AAC include: eye gaze/eye contact, facial expressions, body language, gestures, and manual signs.

Aided AAC is communication using an external device to support and aid communication. These devices can be broken into two categories, Low-Tech and High-Tech.

  • Low-Tech AAC refers to all external devices that do not contain ‘batteries’. These include but are not limited to Aided Language Displays, PODD books, Communication Books, and PECS.

  • High-Tech AAC refers to all external devices that contain a ‘battery’. These devices contain different layouts and can be further broken up into two categories “static” and “dynamic” displays.

    • Static Displays are AAC systems that have fixed layout that does not change like a keyboard, or communication board with a voice output (i.e., GO-Talk).

    • Dynamic Displays are AAC systems that have an interactive layout that can consistently be adapted and changed. (i.e., tablet/computer based communication programs such as Proloquo2go, Lamp, TD-SNAP, PODD, GRID).

It is important that you consult with a speech pathologist to ensure the right AAC is chosen for yourself or loved one. Please note that AAC can be made accessible for individuals of all ages using switches, touch access, or even eyegaze.

Speak With Us offer comprehensive AAC trials / assessment (Click HERE for more information for this assessment process).

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