AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It is a term that covers various methods and devices that help people who have difficulty speaking or writing to communicate with others. AAC can be used by children and adults who have different types of disabilities or conditions that affect their speech or language skills, such as autism, cerebral palsy, stroke, brain injury, or ALS.
AAC can be divided into two main categories: unaided and aided. Unaided AAC does not require any external tools or materials, and relies on the person’s own body to communicate. Examples of unaided AAC are gestures, facial expressions, body language, and sign language. Aided AAC, on the other hand, uses some sort of tool or device to assist the person in expressing their messages. Examples of aided AAC are pictures, symbols, writing, communication boards or books, and speech-generating devices.
AAC can also be classified as low-tech or high-tech, depending on the complexity and functionality of the device or system. Low-tech AAC refers to simple and non-electronic tools, such as pen and paper, pointing to letters or words on a board, or using objects or photographs to represent concepts. High-tech AAC refers to sophisticated and electronic devices that can produce speech output, display dynamic symbols or text, and offer word or grammar prediction. Some examples of high-tech AAC are tablets, smartphones, computers, or specialized devices that use touch screens, keyboards, switches, eye gaze, or voice recognition.
History and Development of AAC
The history of AAC can be traced back to ancient times, when people used gestures, signs, drawings, and symbols to communicate with each other. However, the modern development of AAC began in the 20th century, when various inventors and researchers created devices and systems to help people with speech impairments.
One of the earliest communication devices was the Patient Operated Selector Mechanism (POSM), which was a sip-and-puff typewriter controller designed by Reg Maling in 1960. This device allowed people to type letters by inhaling or exhaling through a tube. Another early device was the Comhandi, which was an electronic letter board that allowed people to select letters and build words. This device was created by Orest Z. Roy of the National Research Council of Canada in 1961.
In the 1970s, transistorized devices began to replace mechanical systems. These devices often used electromyography (EMG), which is the measurement of electrical activity generated by skeletal muscles. One example of such a device was the Tufts Interactive Communicator (TIC), which was a scanning communication aid that predicted the next most likely letter to be typed. This device was developed by Richard Foulds in 1972. Another example was the Talking Broach and the Lightwriter, which were the first portable communication devices that had keyboards and displays. These devices were invented by Toby Churchill in 1973.
In the 1980s and 90s, technology evolved from using eye movements to control typewriters (EyeTyper) to using touch screens with dynamic displays and word prediction (Dynavox). These devices were also known as speech-generating devices (SGDs) or voice output communication aids (VOCAs), as they could produce synthetic or recorded speech for the user. Some of these devices could also speak in different languages or have different voices.
In the 21st century, AAC technology has become more accessible and affordable with the advent of tablets, smartphones, computers, and software applications that can be used as communication tools. These devices can run various AAC software that enable dynamic symbol or language representation and offer features such as customization, personalization, social media integration, and data analysis. Some examples of these software are Proloquo2Go, LAMP Words for Life, Snap + Core First, CoughDrop, and Fluent AAC.
The Myriad of AAC Options Available Today
Today, there are many options available for people who need AAC to communicate. Depending on their needs, preferences, abilities, and goals, they can choose from a wide range of unaided or aided systems that suit their communication style and situation. They can also combine different types of AAC to enhance their communication effectiveness and efficiency.
Some factors that may influence the choice of AAC include:
- The person’s age
- The person’s diagnosis
- The person’s cognitive skills
- The person’s motor skills
- The person’s literacy skills
- The person’s communication partners
- The person’s environment
- The person’s interests
- The person’s budget
- The availability of support
To find the best AAC option for a person, it is recommended to consult with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who has expertise and experience in AAC assessment and intervention. The SLP can help the person and their family or caregivers to identify their communication needs, strengths, and challenges, and to select and trial different AAC options. The SLP can also provide training and support for the person and their communication partners to learn how to use AAC effectively and efficiently.
Conclusion
AAC is a term that covers various methods and devices that help people who have difficulty speaking or writing to communicate with others. AAC can be used by children and adults who have different types of disabilities or conditions that affect their speech or language skills. AAC can be divided into two main categories: unaided and aided. Unaided AAC relies on the person’s own body to communicate, while aided AAC uses some sort of tool or device to assist the person in expressing their messages.
The history of AAC can be traced back to ancient times, but the modern development of AAC began in the 20th century, when various inventors and researchers created devices and systems to help people with speech impairments. In the 21st century, AAC technology has become more accessible and affordable with the advent of tablets, smartphones, computers, and software applications that can be used as communication tools.
Today, there are many options available for people who need AAC to communicate. Depending on their needs, preferences, abilities, and goals, they can choose from a wide range of unaided or aided systems that suit their communication style and situation. They can also consult with a speech-language pathologist who can help them find the best AAC option for them. If you or a loved one want to learn more about AAC options, call Speech Care at Home at (813) 344-3207 today!