AAC Basics
What is AAC?
Augmentative and alternative communication.
Augmentative: to supplement (to make communication easier)
Alternative: instead of (to completely replace verbal communication)
Types of AAC:
1. No tech: doesn't required extra equipment (e.g., pointing, gestures, facial expressions, body language, or sign language).
2. Low tech: doesn't require a battery (e.g., picture symbol books, writing, alphabet boards)
3. High tech: Systems using technology (e.g., iPads, dedicated systems)
** Communication is a fundamental human right - AAC is a powerful, meaningful tool! **
Also ... AAC does not hurt or delay developing verbal speech. Access to AAC can actually increase verbal speech!
Examples of how we communicate and use technology:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMijuR8VV9g
AAC Best practices:
1. Access: AAC users need to access to their communication system all day, at all times, and in all environments.
2. Modelling: Model, model, model. You can label things around you, tell jokes, ask for things, say "hi" and "bye", request help, share information, or answer questions.
3. Core Vocabulary: Core vocabulary comprises 80% of what we say and it only consists of about 200 words!
4. Communication Opportunities: Research has shown that in order for an AAC device to be most effective, AAC users need at least 200 opportunities to use it every day.