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What is AAC?

AAC means all of the ways that someone communicates besides talking. People of all ages can use AAC if they have trouble with speech or language skills. Augmentative means to add to someone’s speech. Alternative means to be used instead of speech. Some people use AAC throughout their life. Others may use AAC only for a short time, like when they have surgery and can’t talk.

Parent with SLP.png

What is AAC?

AAC means all of the ways that someone communicates besides talking. People of all ages can use AAC if they have trouble with speech or language skills. Augmentative means to add to someone’s speech. Alternative means to be used instead of speech. Some people use AAC throughout their life. Others may use AAC only for a short time, like when they have surgery and can’t talk.

There are a lot of different types of AAC. No-tech and low-tech options include things like:
- gestures and facial expressions
- writing
- drawing
- spelling words by pointing to letters
- pointing to photos, pictures, or written words

High-tech options include things like using an app on an iPad or tablet to communicate and
using a computer with a “voice," sometimes called a speech-generating device.

LoganTech created the Logan ProxTalker® as a mid-tech AAC device to enable communication for the nonverbal using RFID technology.

A person may use different types of AAC because there are many ways that we all communicate.
An AAC system means all of the tools of this type that a person uses.

Working With A Speech-Language Pathologist

An SLP can help find the right AAC system for you or your loved one. They also help you and the people you talk with learn how to use AAC to communicate. Not every tool works for every person, so it is important to find the right one for you. SLPs work with other professionals like occupational therapists and physical therapists if you have different physical skills that affect how you access your AAC system. Some AAC tools are covered by insurance, but some are not. Your SLP can help you understand your options.

Some information provided by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)