Augmentative Alternative Communication

While most of us think of speech and verbal language when we think about communication, there are a variety of means of communication for individuals who do not have the ability to develop or functionally use verbal speech. Augmentative or Alternative Communication (AAC) involves using an additional means of communication to supplement verbal speech.

AAC includes both unaided and aided symbol systems.

• An unaided system is a system which only requires the communicator's body to. Unaided AAC systems include sign language, gestures, and other body movements, such as eye blinks or hand squeezes.