Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC)

What is alternative augmentative communication?

AAC is a type of communication strategy for individuals who have significant difficulties with speaking. There are many people who may require an AAC device to support their communication, some examples include individuals with: 

• Lifelong developmental disabilities 

• Parkinson's diseases 

• Motor neuron disease 

• Severe aphasia, dysarthria, or apraxia of speech following stroke 

• Acquired brain injury 

• People who have a temporary loss of speech such as: burns, surgery after cancer, trauma, or people on a breathing tube in intensive care units.  

How can a Speech Pathologist help?

Speech Pathologists are the primary profession for AAC management and implementation. Our clinicians can provide:

• An assessment of a persons communication skills and their needs.

• Choosing and design of an AAC system in collaboration with the patient and family.

• Implementation and ongoing re-evaluation of the effectiveness of the system and ensuring that the person can express their needs, preferences and ideas. 

• Intervention using Key Word Signing and Auslan Signbank