What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and who uses it?

Some people have complex communication needs associated with a wide range of physical, sensory and environmental causes which restrict/limit their ability to participate independently in society. They and their communication partners may benefit from using AAC methods (ISAAC 2002).

People have difficulty speaking due to disabilities such as cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, developmental delay, autism etc. Having a severe speech problem affects many aspects of a person's life. It may affect one's ability to live in the community, direct one's care, find employment, discuss sexual matters and report or prevent abuse.

AAC refers to ways other than speech that are used to communicate. Most people who use AAC have a variety of communication systems. Depending on their needs and skills they usually include a number of aided and unaided communication systems.

Unaided AAC systems might include:
Voice; nodding and shaking one's head; facial expression; pointing or looking at desired objects; gestures; sign languages.

Aided AAC systems might include:
Communication displays (comprised of written words, letters or phrases, pictures or symbols); devices which speak or print out messages; call bells etc.

There are specialized AAC Services available to assist people in determining the AAC systems which best meet their needs and skills.

List of AAC services in Ontario.