When it comes to aided systems, speech therapists have to consider a variety of things, including how someone can use an item or device. Sometimes a client can communicate with their body alone with gestures and sign language vocabulary this is known as an unaided system. One important step is finding an AAC system that works best for a client. We use AAC every day, from silent gestures to friends to written notes to coworkers. Simply put, AAC is all of the ways that we communicate with others without talking. This is an area of speech-language pathology that is not as well recognized as articulation and language disorders but is an important aspect of communication for many today. AAC covers a large variety of tools, systems, and devices that we can use to support communication without verbal speech. You have now experienced what it is like to use augmentative alternative communication (AAC). These help us communicate – perhaps we even get the directions we seek! Maybe we point to signs around us to help show the locals what we mean. Perhaps we find a map on a pamphlet and we can point to locations for others to see. Perhaps we wave someone down, looking a bit panicked to show we need help. How do you communicate with them? Speech isn’t really an option here, is it? When we cannot use our speech, we rely on other important aspects of our communication: gestures, facial expressions, and body language. You are milling about attempting to ask for directions or find someone who speaks your language, but no one understands what you are saying. Imagine you are transported to a foreign country where you don’t speak the language (without your smartphone).
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