AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. That might sound like a mouthful, but at its heart, AAC is simply any way of communicating that doesn’t involve speech. It could be gestures, pictures, symbols, or high-tech devices with voice output. For some, it’s a short-term support. For others, it’s a lifelong communication system.
AAC isn’t just about tools or technology. It’s about connection, inclusion and finding ways for people to express themselves in ways that work for them. It’s about recognising that communication is a right, not a privilege.
So, What Counts as AAC?
AAC can be grouped in different ways. Some people use the terms no tech, low tech, and high tech. Others prefer person-based, paper-based, and power-based to reflect the communication methods people use and how they relate to them. Both are valid ways to describe the different types of AAC.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
No Tech / Person-Based AAC
- Uses the body, for example gestures, facial expressions, eye pointing, or signing systems like Makaton
- Does not require any equipment
- Always accessible and often used to support emotional regulation and early interaction
Low Tech / Paper-Based AAC
- Includes core vocabulary boards, symbol books, now and next boards, choice cards, or written word
- No batteries or charging required
- Can be personalised to suit the environment and supports consistent, visual communication
High Tech / Power-Based AAC
Refers to electronic devices such as:
- Tablets with AAC apps (like Grid, TD Snap, or Proloquo)
- Dedicated communication devices with symbol or keyboard-based output
- Devices accessed via touch, eye gaze, or switches
High Tech also offers voice output and can support more complex or independent communication
AAC is not a linear process. It is not about moving from signs to symbols to speech. Many AAC users mix and match, using different methods in different contexts depending on what works best in the moment.
Who Is AAC For?
AAC is for anyone who finds it difficult to use speech to communicate. This might include children and young people with:
- Cerebral palsy
- Autism
- Learning disabilities
- Developmental delays
- Genetic conditions
- Acquired brain injuries
It’s also for those who may speak some words, but not enough to meet all their communication needs — or who may find speech unreliable in certain situations.
AAC and Me: A Real-World Approach
At AAC and Me, we support children and young people to use AAC in a way that is practical, meaningful, and embedded into their daily routines. That might mean helping a school set up classroom-based communication tools, supporting a family to develop visual routines at home, or training teams to model language using a device.
We work with families, schools and therapists, not instead of them. The most successful AAC support happens when everyone is involved and consistent.
Why It Matters
Without AAC, children can be left out of conversations, choices, learning and relationships. With AAC, they can say yes, no, stop, I want that, I love you, and so much more.
Communication is a human right, not something that should be earned. AAC helps children and young people access that right from the very start.
