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?

Any child, teen or adult that is nonverbal, or has limited speech, can benefit from the use of AAC. Although individuals diagnosed with cerebral palsy may have speech abilities, sometimes it may still be difficult to understand.

AAC will, then, help these individuals to communicate and express themselves more effectively by:

• Using appropriate means and finding more opportunities to communicate.
• Actively engaging with others in the communication process.
• Communicating more than their existing skills would allow.
• Gaining skills necessary to pursue education opportunities as well as ideal employment situations.

The use of alternative "selection" or "access" methods
may also be required.

Most people think about what they are going to say and not how they are going to say it. Many times, individuals with cerebral palsy need an alternative selection method to access their AAC device. Some individuals may have difficulty coordinating their movements, and an alternative selection or access method will be chosen to help them realize the full benefits of AAC.

With all of this in mind, it is never too early or too late to implement AAC. Communication devices can give a voice to individuals with cerebral palsy and provide them with the tools they need to communicate with the world around them.

Why should AAC be used to help individuals with cerebral palsy?

• To enhance communication, interaction and expression while addressing motoric difficulties.
• To increase social skills development, along with participation in the classroom, workplace, community or home.
• Provide meaningful messages to the communication partner (e.g., parent, sibling, teacher, coworker, etc.)
• Be appropriate for the individual's age and communication ability level.

Many individuals with cerebral palsy...	DynaVox Communication (AAC) Devices can…
Have a wide range of intellectual abilities.	Support language and literacy growth and strive to provide the appropriate vocabulary needed for successful interaction for communicators of all ages and abilities.
Can have the same quality of life, achieving similar goals and dreams, as their typically developing peers.	Manage large amount of environments and activities to support communication in the home, at work, school and in the community.
Can attain a substantial degree of independence.	Provide tools such as visual schedules and calendars to help individuals with CP organize their lives, sequence and time.