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Augmentative & Alternative Communication

Speech therapist showing young boy how to sound out a word.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication or "AAC" supports individuals with complex communication needs by providing tools and strategies to express themselves effectively. This page offers resources, guidance, and professional development opportunities to help Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants (SLPAs) implement AAC in educational settings.

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What is AAC?

magnifying glass

AAC includes all forms of communication--other than oral speech--used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. It ranges from low-tech options like picture boards to high-tech speech-generating devices.

Evaluation & Tools

AAC can include:

Implementation in Schools

Effective AAC implementation requires collaboration, training, and individualized planning: