Communication takes many forms: face-to-face conversation, telephone, email, instant message, text messaging, handwriting, and more. To some degree, who we are and our success in life are defined by our ability to communicate. Communication is an essential and important part of our lives and is generally taken for granted.
However, for some people with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, the ability to communicate may be significantly impaired. Natural speech may be absent or difficult to understand. Physical impairments may make the usual alternatives impractical. These are the people for whom the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) exists.
An estimated two million Americans experience a communication impairment to the degree that AAC may be useful. There can be many reasons why people need to use AAC. Cerebral palsy and other conditions may exist from birth; other conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or stroke may come later in life.
The field of AAC encompasses many aspects, one of which is assistive technology. Electronic communication devices are available in many forms for people who need AAC. They speak using an electronic voice. People use a keyboard or alternative means of making choices (headpointing, eyegaze, switch scanning, etc.) to select what the AAC device says.
Various professionals are involved in AAC. Since language issues are important and critical to communication performance, the speech-language pathologist often leads the assessment and intervention process. Recent advances in AAC service delivery include evidence-based practice and quantitative measurement of performance, which result in the most effective communication possible.
AAC can transform the lives of people with severe communication disability. AAC can facilitate education, independent living, employment, and other aspects of life, and can allow the person to have the fullest possible participation in our society.
Additional information on AAC can be found at the following resources:
Prentke Romich Company
