Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)
The most important word in the term “Alternative & Augmentative Communication (AAC) is COMMUNICATION.
In order to understand AAC we need to understand the components of communication: why and how we communicate as well as the roles and responsibilities of participants engaged in a “communicative interaction”.
What is communication? By definition, communication is “the imparting or exchanging of information or news” (Oxford Languages Dictionary). Communication requires some shared system of symbols (e.g. letters, speech sounds, words) that, within a group, have agreed meaning. This shared symbol set, “language”, is the foundation of communication.
Why do we communicate? There are possible answers but most communication serves a few, primary functions:
To request or refuse
To express wants and needs
To ask questions
To share experiences and ideas
How do we communicate? Typically we think of communication as the use of written or verbal language. But what happens when one is not able to communicate efficiently using those methods? Is communication not possible without written or verbal language?
The importance and relevance of the words “Alternative” and “Augmentative” in “Alternative & Augmentative Communication” (AAC) become clear in situations where there is a barrier to effective use of written or verbal language. Such barriers might result from:
Stroke
Traumatic Brain Injury
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Head & Neck Cancer
Developmental Disabilities
What, then, are the most fundamental requirements for communicating intentionally? Imagine you are seated across the table from me. I place a hundred-dollar bill and a two-pound bag of M&M’s on the table. Your job is to let me know which one you want . . . but there is one condition; you must communicate what you want without moving any muscles. Can you do it? Could you point to the desired item or just reach out and take it? No, because pointing and reaching require controlled use of muscles. Could you initiate “joint attention”, alerting me to the desired item by alternating your gaze between me and the desired item? Well, moving your eyes also requires controlled use of muscles.
The most fundamental requirements for communicating intentionally are: the ability to make at least ONE volitional body movement; and the ability to make that movement consistently and reliably. (An exception is the emerging field of communication utilizing Brain-computer interface systems!)
AAC is the use of communication methods, tools, devices, and strategies to support meaningful communication when there are barriers to production of spoken or written language. AAC tools rage from “basic” methods (e.g. gestures, facial expressions, pointing to words or pictures on a board) to “high-tech” methods (selecting words or pictures on a tablet screen that generates speech output).
The “expressive partner” (speaker) and the “receptive partner” (listener). Each partner has unique roles and responsibilities to minimize “communication breakdowns”. When one partner communicates with AAC, the roles and responsibilities change. For both communication partners, learning strategies to support efficient and meaningful communication using AAC is essential.
Examples of communication using AAC:
I have worked closely with many clients, families, and staff, providing AAC consultation, evaluation, and training to support AAC users to communicate meaningfully. In addition, I have benefited greatly from in-person and online trainings and collaboration with the Pittsburgh AAC Language Seminar Series and the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC).
Contact us today to learn more about our AAC services and to schedule a free consultation appointment.
