Augmentative and Alternative Communication
What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication?
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) describes methods of communication that can be used by children or adults who find communication difficult because they have little or no clear speech.
There are two main types of AAC methods.
Unaided AAC: using no additional equipment, e.g. body language, pointing, eye pointing, facial expression, gesturing and/or signing.
Aided AAC: using low or high technology:
low
technology aids include everyday objects, symbol charts, communication books,
alphabet charts and pen and paper.
High
technology aids include specialised electronic aids and computers that speak
and/or print. Some people require alternative devices to control their
equipment such as a switch or light pointer.
The Wolverhampton AAC Assessment and Support Team
This is a team of professionals consisting of therapists, specialists in communication and ICT, and specialist teaching staff. The team receive a referral form from a parent, school or other professional to ask us to investigate whether a high technology aid would be effective in developing the child’s spoken or written communication.
The team also liaises with schools to ensure they are maximising the opportunities a child has to communicate. The team will also, if necessary recommend strategies or equipment that may help a child reach their full potential
Why is AAC important?
All children have the right to:
be
offered choices,
express
their feelings,
understand
communication,
reject
things,
request
information,
have
access to information
aids,
services and resources,
be
listed to,
be
included in social interaction,
learn
about themselves,
learn
about life,
be
communicated with in a dignified manner.
For further information please contact:
AAC Assessment and Support Team
(01902) 444435