AAC or augmentative and alternative communication can be any device, system or method that improves a person’s ability to effectively communicate. The overall objective of AAC, as part of a comprehensive therapy program, is to develop functional communication and provide the foundation for language and literacy development. It can benefit individuals across many levels of cognitive function and physical ability.
Individuals who use AAC have shown improvements in behavior, attention, independence, self-confidence, work participation, academic progress and social interaction. AAC is not, however, a substitute for how a person is communicating – it is used to augment communication, replacing only those elements that are unintelligible.
Numerous studies have shown that the introduction of AAC correlates with the improvement of natural speech, even in situations in which no speech therapy is received.
For additional AAC information, please visit VoiceForLiving.com, an information resource and exchange for the millions of people worldwide challenged by speech disabilities and their families. VoiceforLiving.com is dedicated to raising awareness of speech disabilities and providing the answers that families are seeking to help their loved ones challenged by significant speech, language and learning disabilities speak their minds.