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October is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month!

Over 2 million — that’s the number of people who present with significant expressive language impairment that use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

That’s a lot of people who use AAC, and our students are no exception. At French Run Elementary School alone about 2% of students use high-tech, speech-generating AAC devices.

Throughout the year our staff work hard to normalize and inform others about different forms of communication, especially during AAC Awareness Month in October.

So, what is AAC?

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) states,

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) describes multiple ways to communicate that can supplement or compensate (either temporarily or permanently) for the impairment and disability patterns of individuals with severe expressive communication disorders.

Simply put, AAC is any means of communication other than spoken language and full sign language.

What do the devices look like?

AAC devices range from no/low tech to high tech, all based on an individual’s needs.

Devices can be as simple as pen and paper or as high tech as eye-tracking devices. Below are some examples of common AAC devices.

  • Core word, picture and symbol boards

  • Communication books

  • Single message communicators (such a button that plays only one message when pressed)

  • Dedicated dynamic screen devices and tablets with communication applications

  • Text-to-speech devices and applications

  • Eye gaze devices and eye-tracking software

While devices can vary widely, the goal for our students is the same according to Lead Speech and Language Pathologist for the District, Mel Wollam. She says,

Our goal as neurodiversity and trauma informed therapists is to support and validate all forms of communication (individual signs, speech generating devices, core boards, etc). Our objective is functional communication, self advocacy, and autonomy in ANY communication modality.

Remember, communication looks different for everyone, but patience and respect are universal. Thank you to our amazing and dedicated staff for working hard to ensure that our students are heard!