Information

What is AAC?

Communication is the essence of human interaction and learning.

Effective communication is when the intent and meaning of one individual is understood by another person. This includes communicating for the purposes of:

Expressing needs and wants
Social closeness
Exchanging information
Social etiquette
Expressing inner thoughts

Many of us communicate verbally, through speech, but this is not an effective mode of communication for some, and that is where AAC comes in!

Using a low-tech PODD combination access (eyegaze and pointing) with modelling by Mummy

Using the Proloquo2go AAC app on an iPad to catch up and share a joke with family

Example of a high-tech eyegaze system with QWERTY keyboard, accessed via a micro switch

Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

AAC is a set of tools and strategies that an individual uses to solve everyday communicative challenges. Communication can take many forms such as: speech, a shared glance, text, gestures, facial expressions, touch, sign language, symbols, pictures, pseech-generating devices, etc. Everyone uses multiple forms of communication, based upon the context and our communication partner. Effective communication occurs when the intent and meaning of one individual is understood by another person. This form is less important than the successful understanding of the messasge.

(As described by ISAAC International and Linda J. Burkhart, Technology Integration Specialist.)

References:

ISAAC International. https://isaac-online.org/english/what-is-aac/what-is-communication
Light & McNaughtan (2014)

Dos and Don'ts

Do refer to this list of 'Do's and Don'ts' when communicating with someone who uses AAC by Lauren Enders, Pat Mervine, Melissa Skocypec, & Cathie VanAlstine.

DOs

WAIT expectantly for 10-20 seconds (or more if needed!)
ALLOW user time to explore and learn the system
MAKE AAC available at all times
Provide CORE words including verbs & describing words
KEEP icon placement constant
KEEP repeated icons in the same location on each page
PROVIDE Aided Language input - model expected communication behaviors BEFORE expecting to see those behaviors from the user
TEACH language functions including directing, commenting, requesting assistance, etc
Presume competence

DON'Ts

DON'T do ALL the talking
DON'T stop all 'babbling' (exploring, button pressing)
DON'T remove the device
DON'T provide ONLY nouns
DON'T move symbols
DON'T focus on vocabulary that won't be functional/used tomorrow
DON'T expect a user to know how to communicate without direct models & instruction
DON'T teach ONLY requesting
DON'T expect sentences right away

*Reference from: https://www.okabletech.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/AACBootCamp-1.pdf

How do I get started on using AAC?

If you are new to having a communication impairment, you may wish to consider visiting the Enabling Guide https://www.enablingguide.sg/ by SG Enable, which provides a first-stop resource portal for persons with disabilities and their caregivers, as well as disability professionals looking for information on disability support.

Persons already receiving services from service providers (e.g. social service agencies [SSAs], special education schools, hospitals) can approach their service providers for further information or evaluation for the use of AAC.

If you are not currently receiving regular support from a service provider, you can approach the Specialised Assistive Technology Centre run by SPD: https://www.spd.org.sg/specialised-assistive-technology-centre/

More about AAC