Access to Communication and Technology
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
AAC refers to a wide range of techniques and assistive technologies that support people who can’t rely on speech alone to be heard and understood
What is AAC?
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to a wide range of techniques and assistive technologies that support people who can’t rely on speech alone to be heard and understood.
AAC techniques include gestures and signing, text-based and symbol-based communication boards and books, as well as powered devices, usually described as voice output communication aids. Individuals may use a range of methods to access their communication system such as partner-assisted scanning, eye gaze technology and switch solutions.
Who might use AAC?
People using AAC may have a range of complex disabilities, including physical, cognitive, behavioural, and sensory difficulties that affect their ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face settings or on the telephone.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication addresses the needs of people with complex communication needs by introducing no tech (such as signing), low tech (or non-powered) and high tech (or powered) communication systems. AAC empowers individuals to build connections using language, as well as to express their wants, needs, and personality. The AAC toolkit a person uses will vary according to their abilities, needs, and communication goals.
For AAC users with powered communication systems, it is important that they also have a non-powered communication system alongside it as there are many situations where the use of a powered communication device may be impractical, such as travelling in a vehicle, poolside, or if the device is faulty. It is important that family members, carers and professional and paraprofessional staff support the implementation of powered and non-powered Alternative and Augmentative Communication.
AAC and the ACT Team
AAC specialist assessment services in England are provided by specialist services, such as Access to Communication and Technology. We cover an area that includes the West Midlands County, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Herefordshire and support AAC users of all ages and conditions who meet the NHSE eligibility criteria.
Our multi-disciplinary team will collaborate with the local team to put together a bespoke communication system that is suitable for the AAC user. When preparing a communication package we will consider:
- Hardware - type of device.
- Software - the type of program.
- Access - switch, eye-gaze, etc.
- Positioning / mounting.
- Vocabularies - symbol versus text and bespoke versus premade.
- Non-powered systems.
Visit our Information and Resources page to learn more about AAC and organisations that support AAC users.
ACT is an NHS England funded specialist service focusing on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Environmental Controls (EC) and Computer Access. We cover an area that includes the West Midlands County, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Herefordshire.
ACT are commissioned to support people with communication needs through the provision of assistive technology in adherence with the Eligibility Criteria for NHS England Specialised AAC Services. For more information about the criteria and referral process, please visit our Referrals Information page.