Introduction and course overview
Augmentative and Alternative Communication is a set of tools and strategies that an individual uses to solve everyday communication challenges. Communication can take many forms such as; speech, a shared glance, text, gesture, facial expression, touch, sign language, symbols, pictures, speech generating devices, etc. (International Society of AAC 2019:online).
Everyone uses AAC at some point, when we gesture or use written information to help us understand. For children and young people who have not developed spoken language AAC may reduce frustration and help repair communication breakdown.
This information will introduce you to some AAC options that could support you and your child or young person to communicate. It will introduce some key messages to think about. The information will also look at some of the myths surrounding AAC which can be a barrier to families and professionals starting out on their AAC journey. Finally you will be signposted to further links or information sources as well as to local organisations who may be able to support you to introduce AAC.
Information about the authors: A group of professionals from organisations across Devon have worked with parents and carers from IACSS (Improving Access to Communication Services and Support) to put together an interactive introduction to AAC which is hosted on this Babcock LDP online learning platform. Please contact Debbie Heppell if you have any questions about this course: debbie.heppell@nhs.net