Let’s Talk AAC

Written By Sonya M.

You may have heard the terms “AAC,” “SGD,” “VOD,” or even “VOCA”  thrown around in the educational setting by a teacher, speech-language pathologist, or assistive technology (AT) specialist.  Or maybe your speech-language pathologist suggested looking into AAC during a therapy session or evaluation.  There are multiple acronyms that refer to augmentative alternative communication (AAC) and we’re here to help you understand more about it!.  

AAC - Augmentative Alternative Communication 

SGD - Speech Generating Device

VOD - Voice Output Device

VOCA - Voice Output Communication Aid 

But what does AAC actually mean?

In plain terms - AAC can help your child to communicate!  

It includes communication tools (including devices) and strategies that replace or support spoken language.  For many children who are non-speaking or whose speaking skills are not what we would expect for their age, AAC can be a tool that supports their language development and communication with others!

A for Augmentative 

To augment means to support or enhance.  So in this case, we’re adding some tools (e.g., using symbols or letters) to speech to support or enhance communication!  If your child’s language repertoire is limited and/or they have difficulty expressing their wants, needs, and thoughts, then AAC tools can help them express themselves!  

A for Alternative

If your child is non-speaking or their speech is not easily understood by others, they may need an alternative or different way of communicating.  They will benefit from access to tools and strategies that support their use of language!  

Ok, but what will AAC look like?
AAC typically involves tools or devices that support communication.  It’s important to consider both the tool and the language system when choosing an AAC system. 

Tools or devices may include:

  • A speech-generating device (SGD) which are typically tablet based systems that utilize communication software

  • Mobile devices with an AAC app

  • Keyboards

  • Communication books or boards

  • Choice boards 

Representing language

AAC systems can represent language in three different ways -with the alphabet, with single meaning pictures, and with semantic compaction. No matter which method is selected, it is essential that children who need AAC be provided with a robust vocabulary system.

The Alphabet

This method  includes spelling, word prediction, letter codes, and whole words.  Literacy - the ability to read and write - is required to use alphabet based systems.

Single Meaning Pictures

With this method, every word in the vocabulary is represented by a different picture.  Many words are not naturally represented by a picture so meanings of the symbols must be taught. Given how many symbols are needed to represent even a modest vocabulary, it may be difficult for some children to navigate through all the symbols.   Children may use metalinguistic skills like categorization and literacy to increase their navigation speed. 

Semantic Compaction

This method uses sequences of multi-meaning icons to represent words.  Similar to the alphabet, there is a relatively small set of symbols that are combined in unique ways to represent different words. 

For example, we can represent the concept “verb” with a single verb symbol and the concept “adjective” with a single adjective symbol.  When we combine these symbols with another symbol, we can represent unique words. 

Who can benefit from AAC?

ANYONE!

If there is any discrepancy between a child’s receptive and expressive language they should have access to AAC.  People with spoken language can benefit from AAC too! We dream of a world in which AAC is a universal design for learning (UDL) tool that anyone can access and use.  

What does my child need to do to qualify for AAC?
Ok, say it with me: “THERE ARE NO PREREQUISITES FOR AAC.”

When considering AAC, teams should presume competence and believe in your child’s communication abilities and potential!  Limiting their potential causes more harm than presuming competence!  

When should we consider AAC?

The right time to start AAC is… now!  There are no age or skill requirements to get started!  In fact, when you introduce AAC early, it can help support your child’s language development!  Just because a child begins their communication journey with AAC, doesn’t mean they will always need it.  It may start as an alternative to speech and become more of an augmentative tool or even a tool they no longer need in their toolbox!  

-The Infinite Learning Foundation Team








Sonya M.