Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) services are designed to assist individuals who are unable to communicate through either spoken or written natural means. These services may be appropriate for any person with a severe expressive communication disorder, including:
- children born with a disability that disrupts their ability to develop functional speech (such as cerebral palsy, autism, mental retardation, or some other disorder)
- adults with acquired neurological communication disorders (such as traumatic brain injury, aphasia, or degenerative neurological disorders such as ALS, among others)
AAC services typically include supplementing and training unaided forms of communication, such as gestures, facial expressions, the use of manual signs, and American Sign Language. Aided forms of communication include the use of an external support system, such as:
- visual-graphic symbols on communication boards
- books or low-tech devices
- computer-based voice output systems
The College of Arts