There are as many forms of AAC as there are syllables to it’s name, but AAC can be divided into two categories, aided and unaided systems. An unaided AAC system is as simple as using gestures or facial expressions to assist in communication; American Sign Language is an unaided AAC system. Conversely, aided systems are more rare. Perhaps the most infamous aided AAC system was used by Stephen Hawking, who used a speech-generating device to communicate out loud to others.
“AAC allows a person to communicate who otherwise can’t,” said Colton Bair, one of Rehab Specialists of Idaho’s speech-language pathologists who assists patients at the Rexburg Pediatric Clinic, Rigby Pediatric Clinic, and the Ashton Clinic. “AAC allows for a person to have more control over their communication. It can be really frustrating for someone to not be able to express their wants and needs.”
AAC can be used as a temporary aid to patients or a permanent addition for a person’s communication needs. At RSI our speech-language pathologists assist both pediatric and adult patients with severe speech or language problems and expressive language disorders in discovering what their short and long term AAC needs are and how to appropriately use them.
“RSI has successfully implemented the use of both aided and unaided, low-tech, and high-tech devices with a wide range of clients,” said Blair. “We have clinicians who are experts at assessment, implementation, and the ongoing support that is necessary to implement AAC in a patient’s life.”
For more details about Augmentative and Alternative Communication programs that might assist you or your child, call for a free screening with one of RSI’s speech-language pathologists.