An AAC system refers to all the communication support technologies, modes, and strategies that an individual with CCN may use to communicate effectively with anyone, at any time, for any reason. Ultimately, the individual with CCN chooses what to use, where and with whom. We use the term AAC system, which may include but is never limited to an AAC device, to stress the multi-modal nature of communication, and that all of the parts and pieces of a system work together to support effective and authentic interactions.
An AAC system is comprised of communication support technologies, as well as strategies that make conversations flow more smoothly and help each partner in the interaction remain actively engaged. The goal of an AAC system is to support authentic interactions. All communication support technologies have inherent design inadequacies that can be barriers to authenticity. Indeed, the very act of using an external device to compose messages in a face-to-face interaction imposes constraints/barriers/distractions on that interaction. Therefore, the development of AAC systems must also address each interactant’s knowledge of how/when to use specific modes, methods, tools and techniques to communicate with different people, in different contexts, for different purposes.
Communication Support Technologies
No-technology
- Gestures
- Manual signs
- Spoken words
- Non-word vocalizations
- Eye contact
- Eye gaze
- Proximity cues
Low-technology
- Object-based symbol sets
- Picture symbols
- Communication boards or books
- Photo albums
- Remnants from personal experiences
- ABC boards for spelling out messages
- Communication books or boards organized for partner-assisted auditory scanning (PAAS)
Voice-output Technologies
- Recordable digitized speech devices, single messages or sequenced messages (Step-by-Step Communicator, Talking Brix, etc.)
- Multi-level, multi-message digitized speech devices (GoTalk, SuperTalker, TechTalk, etc.)
- Complex speech-generating devices (Tobii Dynavox I-Series+, PRC Accent, Saltillo NOVA Chat, etc.)
Mainstream Technologies
- Laptop or desktop computer
- Mainstream software and apps (MS Office, Google Chrome, iTunes, etc.)
- Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)
- Blogging
- Video conferencing
- Mobile phone (including texting, media sharing, etc.)
- Landline phone
- Tablet or other mobile device
- Remote controls
- Media player (iPod, etc.)
- Video games
- Digital camera, video camera
- Toys
- Household appliances
Other Assistive Technologies
- Independent mobility device (support walker, power wheelchair, etc.)
- Computer interface devices (switch interface, mouse emulator, joystick, etc.)
- Alternate keyboard
- Capability switches
- Mounting hardware
- Specialized software (screen readers, talking word processors, etc.)
