Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) products and strategies are used by people who suffer from acute communication disabilities to enable them to integrate into society properly. Often, the tools required to enable them to take up communication roles in society are inadequate or not readily available.
According to the American Speech Language Hearing Association(ASHA), augmentative and alternative communication comprises of four main approaches including the use of techniques and strategies, symbols and aids. ASHA’s statistics indicate that between 8 to 12 persons among 10001, most of whom are aged below 19 years suffer from communication impairments that require these AAC assistive devices (Light, 1989).
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Acquired impairments inhibit interaction in the domain of face to face communication, training and community living ( Mcnaughton & Bryen, 2007) and makes it necessary for the provision of assistive tools for cognitive, operation and normal development to enhance the affected persons’ social roles after the disability constrains them from engaging and participating normally in their roles.
There exist some assistive devices that include low technology devices, high technology devices, letter boards, the tango, the xpress, iPad and iPod devices. Other instances of the AAC involve adding language and symbols to enhance a child's communication skills by replacing gestures, and this exposes them during interactions as they share experiences and focus with their guardians.
References
Light, J. (1989). Toward a definition of communicative competence for individuals using augmentative and alternative communication systems. Augmentative and Alternative Communication , 5 (2), 137-144.
Mcnaughton, D., & Bryen, D. N. (2007). AAC technologies to enhance participation and access to meaningful societal roles for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities who require AAC. Augmentative and Alternative Communication , 23 (3), 217-229.
