Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Augmentative and Alternative Communication refers to all methods and aids that help people to express themselves when spoken language is not, not yet, or no longer possible. The aim of Augmentative and Alternative Communication is to enable people with limited communication abilities to participate in social life, to promote their independence and to help them express their needs, wishes and opinions.

Various forms of communication can be used for this purpose, for example: 

• Non-verbal communication: facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, body language, sign language.
• Non-electronic supports: picture cards, symbol boards, communication books, photographs or objects.
• Electronic support: speech output devices (talkers), tablets or computers with special software that enable communication via touch, eye contact or buttons.