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?

Individuals with aphasia can benefit from the use of AAC devices. Around the world these devices have opened the pathway to communication for individuals allowing them to lead productive lives and to participate more fully in society. Those that need assistance understanding language and those that need help communicating what they want to say can be helped by the use of an AAC device. Additionally, powerful AAC devices can give control over a person’s environment and make daily activities easier.

In summary, AAC can support people by:

• Allowing them to show their understanding and comprehension of what is being communicated.
• Providing a voice so they can listen to words being spoken and practice their own speech.
• Giving them a tool to practice writing, spelling and building phrases and sentences.
• Providing a means to control their appliances, send email, and re-connect to the world.

Why should AAC be used to help individuals with Aphasia?

Many individuals with aphasia...	DynaVox Communication (AAC) Devices can...
May have difficulty communicating the right word.	Assist people with aphasia by providing words on topics (e.g. weather) when they have trouble speaking the word that they want to say.
May need support speaking complete sentences.	Support the use of proper word order by providing phrases and sentences making communication and understanding easier.
May have difficulty remembering appointments and managing tasks can be difficult.	Help people complete daily tasks and remember important items like doctor appointments and medication times.