The Seneca Washington Specialist Team is comprised of School Psychologists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists/Assistants. We work in 10 charter schools in the Puget Sound region supporting diverse learners through special education, 504 plans, MTSS and many other ways. Some of our students struggle to communicate effectively due to limited speech or language skills. This may include students with speech sound disorders, Autism, intellectual disabilities, motor difficulties, traumatic brain injuries or neurological conditions.
Individuals with communication limitations may use AAC to help them access communication. AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)’s website explains, “Augmentative means to add to someone’s speech. Alternative means to be used instead of speech.” AAC includes tools and strategies to support or replace speech, helping individuals communicate with the world around them. ASHA outlines:
There are a lot of different types of AAC. No-tech and low-tech options include things like
High-tech options include things like
AAC is an important tool in promoting inclusivity for individuals with speech or language challenges. It supports students in accessing their classroom and school community and being able to communicate with others. AAC can help students communicate their wants, needs, feelings and opinions. It also allows students who might not otherwise be able to communicate with others, communicate with their teachers and peers. AAC can also empower students with communication challenges to access their curriculum, contribute to discussions, and participate in classroom activities. The use of AAC also supports individuals in having more independence.
There are some common misconceptions around AAC and some hesitancy to recommend AAC soon in the special education process. But there is no need to delay introducing AAC to students with communication challenges! Early implementation can promote language development, and have a positive impact on social communication, cognitive skills and speech development. The use of AAC will not prevent or delay speech development. Research shows that AAC actually enhances the development of natural speech and language.
Using AAC helps students by reducing barriers, fosters independence and ensures that students can express their thoughts, needs and ideas. By integrating AAC into the school environment, school teams can create more accessible and equitable spaces. If you have a student who may benefit from AAC, please reach out to your Speech Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist at your school for guidance and support.
The Seneca Washington Speech Language Therapists created this document All About AAC. Check it out to learn more.
Individuals with communication limitations may use AAC to help them access communication. AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)’s website explains, “Augmentative means to add to someone’s speech. Alternative means to be used instead of speech.” AAC includes tools and strategies to support or replace speech, helping individuals communicate with the world around them. ASHA outlines:
There are a lot of different types of AAC. No-tech and low-tech options include things like
- Gestures and facial expressions
- Writing
- Drawing
- Spelling words by pointing to letters
- Pointing to photos, pictures, or written words
High-tech options include things like
- Using an app on an iPad or tablet to communicate
- Using a computer with a “voice," sometimes called a speech-generating device.
AAC is an important tool in promoting inclusivity for individuals with speech or language challenges. It supports students in accessing their classroom and school community and being able to communicate with others. AAC can help students communicate their wants, needs, feelings and opinions. It also allows students who might not otherwise be able to communicate with others, communicate with their teachers and peers. AAC can also empower students with communication challenges to access their curriculum, contribute to discussions, and participate in classroom activities. The use of AAC also supports individuals in having more independence.
There are some common misconceptions around AAC and some hesitancy to recommend AAC soon in the special education process. But there is no need to delay introducing AAC to students with communication challenges! Early implementation can promote language development, and have a positive impact on social communication, cognitive skills and speech development. The use of AAC will not prevent or delay speech development. Research shows that AAC actually enhances the development of natural speech and language.
Using AAC helps students by reducing barriers, fosters independence and ensures that students can express their thoughts, needs and ideas. By integrating AAC into the school environment, school teams can create more accessible and equitable spaces. If you have a student who may benefit from AAC, please reach out to your Speech Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist at your school for guidance and support.
The Seneca Washington Speech Language Therapists created this document All About AAC. Check it out to learn more.
Blog by: Gini Sanders, Director of Specialized Services
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