Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): unaided
Unaided AAC includes natural gestures, formal signs, facial expression, body language and vocalisations; and does not require an ‘aid’ apart from the body. Most people use some form of unaided AAC to support their communication. Unaided AAC relies on the skills of the communication partner in both expressing communication and interpreting what the person with disability’s body movements, gestures, facial expressions and vocalisations mean.
Key Word Sign involves adding Auslan signs to key words in a sentence as they are spoken. If Key Word Sign is used by a person with developmental disability, ask the support person for help to understand the signs and for the person’s ‘sign and gesture dictionary’. The ‘sign and gesture dictionary’ outlines what each gesture or sign means (eg I rub my finger up and down my cheek when I need help) and includes a photograph or video of the person doing the movement. General practitioners should always speak when using Key Word Sign as the signs add meaning to spoken words1.