ACC Frequently Asked Questions
What is AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes any tool or strategy that helps a person communicate when speech is limited, unclear, or not yet reliable.
AAC can be low-tech, like gestures, pictures, or communication boards, or high-tech, like speech-generating devices that speak out loud when a child selects words or symbols.
AAC is simply another way to communicate.
Does AAC mean my child will never talk?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes any tool or strategy that helps a person communicate when speech is limited, unclear, or not yet reliable.
AAC can be low-tech, like gestures, pictures, or communication boards, or high-tech, like speech-generating devices that speak out loud when a child selects words or symbols.
AAC is simply another way to communicate.
Is AAC only for children who will never speak?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes any tool or strategy that helps a person communicate when speech is limited, unclear, or not yet reliable.
AAC can be low-tech, like gestures, pictures, or communication boards, or high-tech, like speech-generating devices that speak out loud when a child selects words or symbols.
AAC is simply another way to communicate.
What if my child is too young for AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes any tool or strategy that helps a person communicate when speech is limited, unclear, or not yet reliable.
AAC can be low-tech, like gestures, pictures, or communication boards, or high-tech, like speech-generating devices that speak out loud when a child selects words or symbols.
AAC is simply another way to communicate.
Will using AAC make my child dependent on a device?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes any tool or strategy that helps a person communicate when speech is limited, unclear, or not yet reliable.
AAC can be low-tech, like gestures, pictures, or communication boards, or high-tech, like speech-generating devices that speak out loud when a child selects words or symbols.
AAC is simply another way to communicate.
What is a speech-generating device (SGD)?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes any tool or strategy that helps a person communicate when speech is limited, unclear, or not yet reliable.
AAC can be low-tech, like gestures, pictures, or communication boards, or high-tech, like speech-generating devices that speak out loud when a child selects words or symbols.
AAC is simply another way to communicate.
How does AAC help reduce frustration or behavior?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes any tool or strategy that helps a person communicate when speech is limited, unclear, or not yet reliable.
AAC can be low-tech, like gestures, pictures, or communication boards, or high-tech, like speech-generating devices that speak out loud when a child selects words or symbols.
AAC is simply another way to communicate.
How does AAC help with learning and language?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes any tool or strategy that helps a person communicate when speech is limited, unclear, or not yet reliable.
AAC can be low-tech, like gestures, pictures, or communication boards, or high-tech, like speech-generating devices that speak out loud when a child selects words or symbols.
AAC is simply another way to communicate.
Will AAC work at home and school too?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes any tool or strategy that helps a person communicate when speech is limited, unclear, or not yet reliable.
AAC can be low-tech, like gestures, pictures, or communication boards, or high-tech, like speech-generating devices that speak out loud when a child selects words or symbols.
AAC is simply another way to communicate.
Do parents need special training to use AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes any tool or strategy that helps a person communicate when speech is limited, unclear, or not yet reliable.
AAC can be low-tech, like gestures, pictures, or communication boards, or high-tech, like speech-generating devices that speak out loud when a child selects words or symbols.
AAC is simply another way to communicate.
How do I know if AAC is right for my child?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes any tool or strategy that helps a person communicate when speech is limited, unclear, or not yet reliable.
AAC can be low-tech, like gestures, pictures, or communication boards, or high-tech, like speech-generating devices that speak out loud when a child selects words or symbols.
AAC is simply another way to communicate.
What is IS&B’s approach to AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes any tool or strategy that helps a person communicate when speech is limited, unclear, or not yet reliable.
AAC can be low-tech, like gestures, pictures, or communication boards, or high-tech, like speech-generating devices that speak out loud when a child selects words or symbols.
AAC is simply another way to communicate.
Ready to Talk?
If you’re wondering whether this approach is right for your child, we’re happy to help you think it through.
