Some may use it all the time, others may say some words but use AAC for longer sentences or with people they don’t know well. AAC can help in 

• school
• at work
• when talking with friends and family.

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a range of strategies and tools to help people who find speaking difficult. These may be simple letter or picture boards, battery operated devices or computer-based systems. AAC can help someone to communicate as effectively as possible, in as many situations as possible. 

Different types of AAC 

No-tech communication

Needs no extra equipment - it is sometimes called 'unaided communication' Examples include body language, gestures, pointing, eye pointing, facial expression, vocalisations and signing.

Low-tech communication systems

Do not need power to function. They are sometimes called “aided communication” because they use basic equipment. Examples include:

• pen and paper to write or draw 
• alphabet and word boards, communication charts  
• books with pictures, photos and symbols 
• particular objects that represent what someone needs to understand or say. 

High-tech communication systems

Use batteries or mains power. Gadgets or software may speak and/or produce text. Some are based on familiar equipment such as:

• Mobile devices, tablets and laptops and may have simple buttons or pages that speak when touched.  
• Very sophisticated systems use equipment specially designed to support communication.  
• Hi-tech communication is also sometimes called “aided communication” because it uses equipment.

If you think that a child or young person would benefit from an Augmentative and Alternative Communication system, please contact the Speech and Language Therapy Service.  

Referral can be made by anyone and must have assurance of parental consent.