AAC: What it is and Why It Matters

 

 

An estimated 4 to 5 million people in the U.S. have disabilities and health conditions that make it difficult to impossible for them to rely on solely if at all their natural speech to effectively communicate with others. This includes children, teenagers, working age adults and older persons with:  

•        developmental disabilities (e.g., autism spectrum disorder [ASD], cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities)

•        acquired conditions (e.g., aphasia, TBI, spinal cord injury)
•        long term illnesses (e.g., ALS, dementia) and other conditions [i]

To effectively communicate, those with significant communication disabilities use a wide range of what are known as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies and technologies. AAC includes all methods persons can use to be understood – e.g., gesturing, writing, typing, pointing to letters, words, or pictures, and devices to generate spoken messages, all of which  can be utilized individually or, more frequently, in combination with one another to augment or replace natural speech. [ii] Most of these individuals face significant barriers in every aspect of life, including family life, education, employment, healthcare, and community living. 

 Today, due to digital, mobile and other technologies, more individuals with significant communication disabilities can access and use the AAC strategies, supports and devices that best address their needs, abilities and aspirations in life.  Yet, for many children, adults and older persons who need AAC such access remains elusive.  As the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine made clear in its report on assistive technology:   “Individuals who communicate with AAC experience significant barriers to obtaining and learning to use AAC technology.”[iii] Multiple factors compound these obstacles, including:  
·         Persistent prejudice and discrimination based on erroneous assumptions such individuals have little to say and contribute to their family, community and nation [iv]

·         The lack of public understanding of the right, abilities, aptitudes and aspirations of people with significant communication disabilities and the role AAC plays in their lives.[v]
·         Insufficient funding, personnel prep and related challenges. [vi]

 Communication FIRST is a the only national organization led by and for persons with significant communication disabilities, our families and allies committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of all individuals that rely on AAC to readily access the AAC strategies, supports and technology needed to lead full life of our choice and in community with all others. 

 

End Notes: 

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[i] Light, J., Beukelman, D.R., McNaughton, D., & Jakobs, T. (October, 2018). New AAC technologies to enhance communication and participation. Poster presented at the NIDILRR 40th Anniversary Celebration, Washington, DC. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Health Care Services; Committee on the Use of Selected Assistive Products and Technologies in Eliminating or Reducing the Effects of Impairments; Flaubert JL, Spicer CM, Jette AM, editors. The Promise of Assistive Technology to Enhance Activity and Work Participation. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2017 May 9. Chapter 6, Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Voice Products and Technologies.cites Beukelman DR, Mirenda P. Augmentative and alternative communication: Supporting children and adults with complex communication needs. 4th ed. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.; 2013.

[ii] ASHA, Augmentative and alternative communication.  

[iii] Op cited at 1. 

[iv]Melanie Fried-Oken and Hank A.  Bersani, Editors,  Speaking Up and Spelling It Out – Personal Essays on Augmentative and Alternative Communication.  Brookes Publishing, 2000.  Sienkiewicz-Mercer, R. & Kaplan, S.B. (1996), I Raise My Eyes To Say Yes (Whole Health Books); Crossley, R. & McDonald, A. (2010), Annie’s Coming Out (DEAL Books); Fried-Oken, M. &  Bersani, H.A., eds. (2000), Speaking Up and Spelling It Out – Personal Essays on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (Brookes Publishing); Burch, S. & Joyner, H. (2007), Unspeakable: The Story of Junius Wison (University of North Carolina Press); Kedar, I. (2012), Ido in Autismland; and Pena, E.V., ed. (2019), Leaders Around Me: Autobiographies of Autistics who Type, Point, and Spell

[v]  National Academies, op cited at 1.   

[vi] Ibid. 

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