Overview of aided AAC

Aided AAC includes non-electronic (‘low tech’) communication aids and electronic (‘high tech’) communication aids. The person with developmental disability may access the communication aid directly by using their hands, or indirectly by using a switch or ‘eye pointing’ (eg to look for and select an item). To increase effectiveness and minimise selection errors, ensure the person has sufficient time to use the communication aid.

To understand a person’s communication, the communication partner needs to know how the person accesses the aid. Check if the communication aid includes ‘instructions for communication partners’ for tips and strategies on how to use the system, and ask the person to show you how they use the aid.

If the person with disability is physically supported by another person (a facilitator) to use their communication aid, the message must be confirmed by other methods (eg body language, gestures, yes/no or verbal responses, opinions of other people) owing to the likelihood of facilitator influence over the message. See also Working with family members or disability support workers.