Augmentative and Alternative Communication

What is the AAC

The Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes a number of techniques that supplement or enhance the common means of communications, especially speech or writing.

It can be defined as augmentative since it increases natural human communicative potential rather than substituting it. It can be defined as alternative since it uses alternative to traditional forms of communication.

An Augmentative Communication system is a "continuous decoder" based on sign language, picture boards, electronic devices; ie. anyhing which helps the individual express itself.

Symbols can be represented as drawings, photographs or pre-defined systems such as "Picture Communication Symbols" which includes 2400 symbols ranging from objects to verbs, places, feelings and basic needs.

Intervention Fields

AAC is currently used in the following disability conditions:

» congenital pathologies (e.g. PCI, genetic syndroms, etc.)

» acquired pathologies (e.g. result of cranial trauma, ictus, etc.)

» progressive neurological pathologies (eg. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Syndrome, etc.)

» temporary conditions (shocks, surgical trauma such as intubation, tracheotomy, severe facial burns, etc.)