Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC)

Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC)

line drawing of a tablet and a pen

Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) refers to any type of communication that is not typical “speech”. Some common examples of AAC are voice amplifiers, communication books, and tablets/computers with text-to-speech apps (think Stephen Hawking!).

Our Services

  • Determining what AAC system will work best for you or your loved one is a collaborative process that may take multiple sessions. The assessment process includes client and supporter interviews, observation, formal testing and informal tasks/games.

    A communication system will be recommended based on the results of the assessment and interviews. We will set goals collaboratively to ensure that the goals are functional, meaningful, and realistic. Once everyone agrees on a plan, we will proceed to system customization!

  • ‘High-tech’ AAC refers to systems that utilize technology, such as iPads, tablets, and other electronic devices. High-tech AAC can be expensive, but anyone over the age of 19 in BC can access provincially funded equipment through Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults (CAYA).

    High-tech AAC can be very useful for clients who don’t have full hand function and require alternative access methods.

  • Not everyone who uses AAC will use a tablet or iPad. For some, a ‘low-tech’ system such as a communication book or alphabet board will meet their unique communication needs more efficiently. Many high-tech AAC user will also have a low-tech back-up system in case of emergency.

    Interested in low-tech AAC? Your clinician will create a customized communication system for you, billed at a flat rate per system.

  • Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is one type of AAC intervention offered at Strathcona Speech.

  • The first step in creating your customized communication system is gathering vocabulary, so the words in your system are as personal to you as possible. This can be done with your clinician during a session or on your own. You will be given a “vocab collection worksheet” to fill out.

    Once the vocabulary is received, your clinician will customize your communication system to your specific needs. This can include personal vocabulary, font/button size, layout, and more.

  • Once your personalized communication system is ready, your clinician will train the AAC user and their supporters to use, navigate, and edit the system. This may be the longest stage, as it can take many months for a new AAC user to feel comfortable with their system. At this stage, appointments may occur less frequently while you do more solo practice.

  • An important part of AAC intervention is ensuring that the new AAC user is able to use their system to communicate in all of their environments. This can include restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, retail stores, etc..

    Your clinician can accompany you to any location in the community where you would like to practice using your system. This service is available to anyone, even if you obtained your AAC system elsewhere.

 FAQs

  • No, AAC is for anyone who has trouble communicating! And just because you use AAC does not mean you need to use it all the time.

    Maybe you’ve had a stroke and have trouble finding the words you want to say- AAC can help!

    Maybe you have Head and Neck Cancer and had a surgery that impacted your ability to talk- AAC can help!

  • If you have a degenerative condition where your speech is likely to deteriorate, it’s great to get used to using AAC before you need to rely on it to communicate. The more you use AAC the quicker and easier it becomes!

    If you have aphasia, AAC can be just one part of your “communication inventory”. You may find that using your speech and AAC together allows you to communicate more effectively and quicker!

  • Yes! Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults (CAYA) is a provincially funded organizations that provides AAC equipment and services to adults in BC. They provide equipment on a “long-term loan” basis, which means it’s yours to use for as long as it is functional.

  • Good question! CAYA has a waitlist that is approximately 10-12 months long, so the benefit of working with a CAYA-associated private SLP is you can skip the waitlist. Also, CAYA is a consultative program which means they won’t see you for regular appointments. They set-up the system, train you how to use it, and then it is up to you and your support team to practice and implement it. A private SLP can dedicate more time to training you to use the system, and can help you practice using it in the community.

  • Nope! AAC can be “non-tech” or “low-tech” as well. Some people have paper-based communication systems, and some people use both high-tech and low-tech AAC.