Children, Young People and adults who have a severe speech and or language difficulties experience communication difficulties. Those with little or no functional speech are likely to benefit from Augmentative or Alternative Communication (AAC) to support their communication. AAC is the tools we use to get our message understood. Having access to the right AAC can ensure that those with communication difficulties can participate and engage in the activities and communities of their choice. It is important that all individuals are provided with the tools they need to be able to effectively communicate.
We all use some AAC in our daily lives, e.g. gestures, writing, drawing, emoji’s…
Many individuals with communication needs rely on AAC as their primary or sole means of communication.
Types of AAC include picture boards, alphabet board, pointing, signing (e.g. MAKATON, BSL), an object of reference, symbols, single message switch, and voice output device. None of these are better than another just different.
Communication is a basic human right
By Sarah Winstanley
Examples of AAC in action
- Jonathan using an alphabet board - available on iPlayer till 7th March 18
- Lost Voice Guy using a voice output device
- The Silent Child This short film is about a profoundly deaf child living in a world of silence