Accurate tests to assess hearing and recommend care.
Helping children and adults speak clearly and confidently.
Digital hearing aids fitted for your lifestyle and hearing loss.
From evaluation to AVT, we’re with you at every step.
Advanced hearing implant solutions for better clarity.
Consult online from the comfort of your home.
Accurate tests to assess hearing and recommend care.
Helping children and adults speak clearly and confidently.
Digital hearing aids fitted for your lifestyle and hearing loss.
From evaluation to AVT, we’re with you at every step.
Advanced hearing implant solutions for better clarity.
Consult online from the comfort of your home.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to any method of communication that is used to supplement or replace traditional speech. This might include using sign language, gestures, picture boards (PECS in speech therapy), or even Augmentative and alternative communication devices. An AAC device is any battery-operated machine that generates speech. They can be as simple as a keypad with pictures or as sophisticated as a computer with voice output. It can be a big help for people who have difficulty speaking or are non-verbal.
1. No-Tech :A no-tech AAC device is a communication aid that does not require any technology. No-tech AAC devices include sign language and gestures.
2. Low-Tech : A low-tech AAC device is the simplest augmentative and alternative communication device. They do not require electricity or batteries and can be used without any training. Low-tech AAC devices include picture boards, communication books, and magnets with words or pictures.
3.High-Tech : A high-tech AAC device is more complex than low-tech AAC devices and usually require electricity or batteries to operate.
High-tech AAC devices can range from simple keypads with pictures to more sophisticated computers with voice output.
There are three main types of Augmentative and alternative communication devices by aid: Aided and Unaided.
1.Aided : An aided AAC device requires some type of physical support to use. This might include using a picture board with magnets or a keypad with pictures.
2. Unaided : An unaided AAC deviceat does not require any physical support to use. This might include using sign language or gestures.
1. Picture boards: Picture boards are AAC devices that use pictures to represent words or phrases. Picture boards can communicate a variety of messages, such as requesting an object or activity.
2. Keypads: Keypads are AAC devices that use a series of buttons, each with a different picture or symbol, to represent words or phrases. Keypads can communicate a variety of messages, such as expressing emotions.
3. Communication books: Communication books are AAC devices that use a series of pages, each with a different picture or symbol, to represent words or phrases. Communication books can communicate a variety of messages, such as asking questions.
4. Speech-generating devices (SGDs): Speech-generating devices are AAC devices that generate speech. SGDs can communicate a variety of messages, such as gaining someone’s attention.
5. AAC apps: AAC apps are computer programs that can be installed on a smartphone or tablet. AAC apps can communicate a variety of messages, such as requesting an object or activity, expressing emotions, or asking questions.
There are many AAC devices available on the market. When choosing an AAC device, it is important to consider the following factors:
The individual’s needs and preferences: The AAC device should meet the individual’s needs and preferences. AAC devices come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and styles.
The level of support required: Some AAC devices require more support than others. Individuals who require more support may need a high-tech AAC device that generates speech or an AAC app that can be installed on a smartphone or tablet.
The environment: The AAC device should be appropriate for the individual’s environment. For example, if the individual will be using the AAC device at school, then the AAC device should be durable and easy to carry.
The level of difficulty: The AAC device should be appropriate for the individual’s level of difficulty. AAC devices come in a variety of complexity levels. Some AAC devices, such as picture boards, are very simple to use while other AAC devices, such as speech-generating devices, can be more complex.
AAC devices are beneficial for individuals who have difficulty communicating such as individuals with a variety of conditions, such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, hearing loss, autism and speech delay. Individuals who are nonverbal or have limited speech can also benefit from AAC devices. More importantly, AAC devices can be used by children and adults. People of all ages, with a variety of needs and abilities can, of course and definitely, use AAC devices.
Stephen Hawking is one of the most famous people who used AAC, and he communicated using a device that he operated by moving his cheek. Everyone should have access to AAC devices and services, especially if they have difficulty communicating verbally.
AAC supports individuals of all ages who have difficulty speaking or writing, including those with:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Cerebral Palsy
Down syndrome
Developmental delays
Stroke (Aphasia)
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Voice disorders
1. Be more independent: AAC can give people the ability to communicate their needs without always having to rely on others.
2. Express themselves: AAC can help people express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions more easily.
3. Communicate more effectively: AAC can help people communicate more clearly and be better understood by others.
4. Decrease frustration: AAC can help people communicate more easily, which can lead to less frustration.
5. Build self-esteem: AAC can help people feel more confident and proud of their ability to communicate.
6. Enhances communication and participation
7. Reduces frustration and isolation
8. Supports language development (especially in children)
9. Improves quality of life
Speech therapy can play an important role in AAC. Speech therapists can provide AAC training to individuals and their families. AAC training can help people learn how to use AAC devices effectively. AAC speech therapy can be used to help individuals with difficulty speaking communicate more effectively. AAC specialists are trained in AAC and can provide AAC devices and support. Speech therapists can also provide AAC consultation to teachers, daycare providers, and others who work with individuals, such as children with autism and speech delay, who use AAC devices.
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