Augmentative and alternative communications

Augmentative and Alternative Communication, also known as AAC is a term that includes various ways of communication that is able to help those who are unable to use verbal speech to communicate. ACC is used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas such as a picture, symbol communication boards and electronic devices. With these tools it may increase social interaction, feelings of self-worth and school performance. Those who have a severe problem with speech or language rely on ACC to supplement existing speech or replace speech that is not functional. Augmentative and alternative communication is categorized in two ways: unaided and aided.

These two systems are when children or adults are able to use speech to communicate effectively in all situations. Unaided communication system relies on its user’s body to convey the message. It does not involve a piece of additional equipment. Unaided communication would include body language, gesture, pointing, facial expression and vocalization. Unaided communication comes with a few strengths and some weaknesses. Some strengths of unaided communication include its availability, it never breaks down because it doesn’t need batteries, it may be easy to understand and also it can be a valuable tool. A few weaknesses of unaided communication includes that it may be idiosyncratic, that the signer makes their own variation of the sign or gesture and someone may not understand it, communication is from within so there aren’t any visual prompts for what to say or how to say it, and also signs can be difficult for some people to make because some signing systems may need the signer to use two hands, specific positioning of the hands, or some signs could be symmetrical or asymmetrical which c...

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Works Cited

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What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication?. (n.d.). - AAC and Speech Devices from PRC. Retrieved April 5, 2014, from https://www.prentrom.com/what-is-augmentative-and-alternative-communication