What is AAC?

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can include any strategy used to express thoughts, needs, wants and ideas. Examples of common AAC strategies might include sign language, picture communication boards and voice output communication devices. Many AAC strategies use picture symbols, letters, words and phrases to represent the messages needed to talk about objects, people and places. Individuals with communication challenges use AAC to supplement their existing speech or replace speech that is not functional.

Who can use AAC?

Anyone who is having problems being understood by others can benefit from the use of an AAC device. Adults who either do not have the ability to communicate or find that in certain situations communicating is challenging can benefit. The impact of not having or losing the ability to communicate can impact an individual’s quality of life and ability to independently make decisions.

AAC devices are often considered when individuals either do not develop speech and language in the traditional way or experience a change in their speech and language skills that significantly alter their ability to communicate.

With AAC, individuals with ALS can:

• Actively engage with others in communication
• Communicate more effectively than their existing skills allow
• Increase opportunities to communicate
• Maintain current language skills

AAC devices can give individuals living with ALS a voice and provide them with the tools they need to communicate with the world around them and control their environment.

Why Should AAC be Used to Assist Individuals with ALS?

The primary goal of using AAC strategies is to enhance communication, not to replace or inhibit the existing communication skills of the individual. Most AAC users continue to use their existing communication skills (e.g. verbalizations, facial expressions, gestures, etc.) in addition to an AAC device. AAC devices should be made available to help individuals with ALS express themselves, increase social interaction with others, support work performance, and enhance feelings of self-worth. AAC intervention strives to determine the communication and physical needs of the individual, identify the individual's strengths and match those strengths to possible AAC solutions.

While there are many choices available regarding AAC devices, it is important to consider all of the things that make an AAC system appropriate for an individual with ALS.

For these individuals, an AAC device should:

• Increase participation in the community, home, and work settings
• Address personal goals
• Support timely and interactive communication
• Provide meaningful messages to the communication partner (e.g., parent, child, sibling, coworker, etc.)
• Encourage successful day-to-day interaction
• Be appropriate for the individual's age and communication ability level

Individuals with ALS...	DynaVox communication devices can…
Want to use what is familiar.	Give individuals the power to say whatever they want by providing choices of keyboards and core word pages that include features that make communication more efficient.
Engage with the world around them.	Offer access to the phone, TV and e-mail pages within DynaVox's InterAACt communication software that allow individuals to stay connected.
Share information quickly.	Manage a large amount of specific vocabulary to support communication at home, work and in the community.