Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
If you need help acquiring an AAC device, or learning how to use one more effectively, we’d love to be a member of your team!
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Any system for communicating beyond verbal speech is considered AAC. This can be as simple as using gestures, and as involved as using a speech-generating tablet or device to speak.
We are pleased to offer AAC evaluations, AAC programming and personalization, and coaching for AAC users. We can also help set up accessibility settings for iOS devices.
AAC is for everyone! There are both part-time users, and full-time users. Some people who can benefit from AAC include:
-People with mild-profound language delay, articulation disorders, dysarthria, apraxia, or other disorders interfering with clear speech production
-People who have experienced a significant medical event such as a stroke, aphasia, or traumatic brain injury
-People with hearing loss or other degenerative disorders
-Autistic people who are verbal, but find that they become occasionally (or frequently) overwhelmed by using verbal speech
AAC does not prevent someone from learning to speak verbally. In fact, research has shown that AAC use actually supports language development!
We presume that every communicator can learn and grow. For therapy, we use a total communication approach. This means that ALL forms of communication are accepted. People may use many different forms of communication throughout the day, and that is always honored. We also believe in use of robust systems that include core AND fringe vocabulary, without a sole focus on requesting items.
“Alisha is patient, caring, and dedicated to providing client centered, evidence-based treatment to her clients. I would recommend her services to anyone.”