Do you have a family member who is unable to communicate their needs verbally? If so, you may have come across the term AAC, short for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC is a broad category of systems and strategies that supplement or replace spoken language. In this guide, we address the most common questions families have about AAC:
What is AAC?
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) refers to any method of communicating that doesn’t rely solely on spoken words. This includes everything from picture boards and communication books to tablet-based apps and specialized speech-generating devices. A Speech-Language Pathologist can assess which approach is the right fit for your family member.
- What exactly is AAC, and who is it for?
- How does an SLP help identify children who might need AAC, and what does an assessment look like?
- Where can I get an AAC device or application?
- What kind of funding is available in BC for people looking to buy one?
What is AAC?
AAC, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication, refers to ways of communicating that do not rely on spoken or sign language. “Augmentative” means supplementing speech that is already present; “alternative” means replacing speech altogether. AAC helps people who can’t communicate verbally to express themselves using symbols to convey meaning, including objects, real-life images (people, places, things), symbolic images, and words.
AAC often involves technology, but not always. In fact, some situations call for low-tech approaches. AAC is about improving a person’s ability to communicate their needs and desires, whatever form that takes.
Who can benefit from AAC?
Children may benefit from AAC for a variety of reasons. Some have been diagnosed with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy, or a developmental delay. Others may have experienced a brain injury that has affected their ability to produce speech sounds. AAC can support children at all stages, from those who are just beginning to develop communication skills to those who use some spoken language but need additional support.
Who can benefit from AAC?
- Children with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or a developmental delay
- Children who are not yet speaking, or whose speech is difficult for others to understand
- Autistic adults who want additional or more reliable ways to communicate
- Adults who have lost speech due to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), stroke, or other neurological conditions
- Anyone whose speech alone is not meeting their everyday communication needs
An SLP can assess whether AAC is a good fit and which approach makes the most sense for your situation.
AAC can help adults too. Someone who has lost the ability to speak due to ALS or a stroke may benefit from an AAC device, since it provides a reliable alternative beyond writing. Autistic adults can also benefit from AAC strategies, particularly when spoken communication is unreliable or requires significant effort.
What does AAC look like?
AAC comes in many forms, and not all of them require technology. Strategies include manual signs, picture symbols, gestures, and physical objects. Examples of low-tech AAC systems that don’t need to be plugged in include photo albums, communication books or binders, physical objects, buttons, and wooden or plastic boards.
For more advanced users, technology opens up a wider range of options. Common high-tech AAC systems include communication apps available on computers, tablets, or iPads. Read the next section for more information about popular communication apps.
For early or emergent communicators (children who are just beginning to develop communication skills), AAC systems may include yes/no response systems, object choices, paper-based communication boards with pictures, and voice-output devices that speak aloud when a picture or message is selected.
While technology offers powerful options, it’s a good idea to have a paper-based communication system as a backup for days when the tablet is forgotten, out of charge, or damaged.
An AAC device should be as available to its user as possible. Without their device, they are essentially without their voice. Many systems, including paper-based, book-bound, tablet/iPad, or purpose-built AAC devices, are convenient and portable.
Physical ability and general mobility are also factors in determining which AAC device to use. Depending on the individual’s needs, an AAC system may be secured to a wheelchair. An occupational therapist is often involved in fitting such devices.
Common Communication Apps
A communication app is software you download onto a device you already own, such as a laptop, tablet, or iPad. Some popular examples include:
Communication apps are made up of pictures and words arranged in a grid. Depending on the user’s needs and abilities, there may be many (up to 80 or more) selectable images, categories, and grammatical markers on each page, or just a few large images. The configuration of the grid and the number of images on each page is part of the recommendations a Speech-Language Pathologist provides.
Communication apps can cost hundreds of dollars, separate from the device they run on. This is why having an SLP AAC assessment is so important: it means you can be confident in the recommendation before making a purchase.
Speech-Language Pathologist AAC Assessment
An AAC assessment falls under the Speech-Language Pathology profession. Depending on the individual’s diagnosis and needs, assessments can last from 45 minutes to several hours.
A Speech-Language Pathologist begins by looking at the individual’s ability to communicate functionally across all areas of their life. The individual and their family will be asked to provide information that helps determine whether an AAC device is a good fit.
Just because your family member can communicate verbally doesn’t mean AAC isn’t worth exploring. Many AAC users already have some spoken language, use sign, or have developed their own ways to communicate. AAC may enhance their ability to have their thoughts and desires understood more reliably.
An SLP’s AAC assessment considers many factors, including upper body mobility, eyesight, literacy, cognitive abilities, age, and lifestyle.
Based on these factors, a Speech-Language Pathologist will make specific recommendations: whether an AAC device is needed, which type is most appropriate, how and where to obtain it, and how to access any available funding. If you’re based in Vancouver or elsewhere in BC and would like to explore AAC, our team offers free phone consultations as a first step.
Costs and Funding for AAC Devices
There are options for many individuals in BC who need access to AAC. Depending on your situation, your Arbutus speech therapist can help identify what funding options may be available. Our funding guide for BC is also a helpful starting point.
Below is a list of programs and organizations in BC that provide funding for AAC devices:
Communication Assistance for Youth and Adults (CAYA):
CAYA is a province-wide program that supports adults aged 19 and older who require an AAC system due to a severe communication disability, meaning speech that is not functional for daily communication.
Assistive Technology BC provides assistive technology and related support services to British Columbians with disabilities.
Special Education Branch of the BC Ministry of Education (SET-BC)
SET-BC supports BC students with complex needs to participate more actively in their education. They also offer a range of resources and training for families and educators.
AAC device costs vary widely depending on the type of system. Here is a general overview to help you understand the range of options:
- Low-tech and simple devices (single or multi-message buttons, such as the AbleNet iTalk4): roughly $30-$400 CAD. A practical starting point for early communicators.
- App-based solutions (a dedicated AAC app on an iPad or tablet, such as Proloquo2Go or LAMP): $500-$900 CAD total, depending on the tablet and app. A popular and often highly effective option.
- Mid-range dedicated systems (speech-generating devices with pre-loaded software and purpose-built hardware): $1,000-$5,000 CAD. Designed for heavier daily use.
- High-end specialized systems (devices with eye-tracking, high-definition screens, and AI-assisted software): can exceed $15,000 CAD. Reserved for complex access needs.
Devices can be rented or purchased from a number of suppliers in BC. An SLP assessment helps ensure you invest in the right level of technology for your family member’s specific needs, rather than purchasing something that may not be the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure if AAC is right for your family?
Our team can help you understand the options and find the right fit. A free phone consultation is a low-pressure first step.
Book a free phone consultationResources and Providers of AAC Equipment
Wavefront Centre Communication Devices
Wavefront Centre offers communication devices and assistive technology resources for people with complex communication needs in Vancouver.
Bridges is a national assistive technology company supporting learning, communication, alternative access, and low vision needs across Canada.
Canadian Assistive Technology
Sells and delivers a wide range of accessibility equipment to help people with disabilities succeed at work and at home.
National Autism Resources provides research-based therapeutic tools for Autistic people across their lifespan.
A resource covering assistive technology for autism, including how various tools may be best used.
WorkBC Assistive Technology Services
WorkBC Assistive Technology Services provides assistive technology to people with disabilities to help them gain employment.
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