Guides: Disability Services: Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Books

Disability support worker (2020) The third edition of The Disability Support Worker will differentiate from the competition as a comprehensive standalone Certificate IV resource. It will cover all 11 core units and 5 of the most highly subscribed electives. The level of the content will be repositioned through reflective pedagogy to require students to think about their own practice and consider themselves as professionals in the field, preparing them for their more senior and supervisory roles in the workplace.
Adaptive Interaction and Dementia (2018) This guide to Adaptive Interaction explains how to assess the communication repertoires of people with dementia who can no longer speak, and offers practical interventions for those who wish to interact with them. Outlining the challenges faced by people living with advanced dementia, this book shows how to relieve the strain on relationships between them, their families, and professional caregivers through better, person-centred communication. It includes communication assessment tools and guidance on how to build on the communication repertoire of the individual with dementia using nonverbal means including imitation, facial expressions, sounds, movement, eye gaze and touch. With accessible evidence and case studies based on the authors' research, Adaptive Interaction can be used as the basis for developing interactions without words with people living with dementia.

YouTube Videos

The Evolution of AAC (2019) AAC has evolved so much over the years and changed so many lives! In this video, we take you through the history of Brad's AAC methods/devices and demonstrate how eye tracking technology has opened up a new world for not only communication but for so much more!
Basics of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) (2013) Oklahoma ABLE Tech's the "Basics of AAC" defines AAC, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and includes low-, mid-, and high-tech solutions for people who have difficulty using speech to communicate. The video explains how everyone has a different way(s) of communicating whether it's speaking, signing, using body language or eye gaze, writing, or using a speech-generating device, and that sometimes people use behaviors to communicate when other methods don't seem to work. AAC can be a solution that helps people effectively and efficiently communicate, and this video will help viewers explore some of those options.
What is AAC? Augmentative and Alternative Communication (2011) AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication. AAC is a way for individuals to communicate when they do not have the physical ability to use verbal speech or writing. AAC systems are designed to help people express their thoughts, needs and ideas. AAC is used by those with a wide range of speech and language impairments due to conditions such cerebral palsy, autism, spinal muscular atrophy and head injuries. AAC can range from a simple set of picture symbols on a communication board to a computer system that is programmed to speak with words or messages. Video by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

Websites

Assistive technology demonstrations - Vision Australia (2023) “What is assistive technology?”, “How does it work?”, “How can I make sure my content is accessible for people using assistive technology?” These are questions we hear often at Digital Access. They are important questions for anyone aiming to design content that is accessible and Inclusive for people with disability.
Assistive Technology for All We believe all Australians with disability should have equal access to the life-changing assistive technology they need. That is why we are asking the Australian Government to establish a national assistive technology program to meet the needs of people with disability who are excluded from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) - American Speech Language Hearing Association Children and adults with severe speech or language problems may need to find other ways to communicate. There are many types of AAC that they can use. Speech-language pathologists, or SLPs, can help.
Communication Hub Highlights the importance of communication in everyday life and provides information for those with communication difficulties to empower themselves and others. I
PrAACtical AAC PrAACtical AAC supports a community of professionals and families who are determined to improve the communication and literacy abilities of people with significant communication difficulties
Raising Children Network - Augmented Communication If your child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and difficulties with language or communication, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems can add to his existing ways of communicating, including his speech, gestures or writing. They can also give your child new and different ways of communicating
VisAbility As your local provider of disability services, we have provided innovative, life-changing services to people living with disabilities for more than 100 years.
What is AAC? - Communication Matters (UK) Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is the term used to describe various methods of communication that can ‘add-on’ to speech and are used to get around problems with ordinary speech. AAC includes simple systems such as pictures, gestures and pointing, as well as more complex techniques involving powerful computer technology.