Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

What is AAC?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to techniques and tools used to assist individuals with communication disorders in expressing themselves. It encompasses various methods such as sign language, communication boards, speech-generating devices, and software applications, enabling those with limited speech or language abilities to communicate effectively and engage with others. AAC aims to enhance communication and provide a means for individuals who have difficulty with traditional spoken communication.

AAC Role Models

What better way to understand and think about teaching literacy to those who use Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) than through those inspiring young people and adults themselves.

Beth Moulam
Abdi Omar
Lee Ridley - The Lost Voice Guy
Ellise Hayward

Beth Moulam

Beth Moulam is a Paralympian, AAC Advocate and lives life to the full celebrating cerebral palsy, speech and hearing impairments and using AAC.

Watch CENMAC student ambassador Khamani interview Beth.

> Watch interview

> Read Beth’s Blog

Abdi Omar

Abdi Omar is a motivational speaker located in london. Abdi has cerebral palsy and uses his disability as his biggest motivation to overcome the odds and change everyone’s perceptions about disability.

Watch CENMAC student ambassador Khamani interview Abdi.

> Watch interview

> Visit Abdi’s website

Lee Ridley

Lee Ridley is an English stand-up comedian known as the Lost Voice Guy. Lee uses AAC to communicate. He became a household name when he competed in and won the 12th series of Britain’s Got Talent.
Lee has also written a book called ‘I’m Only In It for the Parking’ published in 2021.

> Visit Lee’s website

Ellise Hollie Hayward

Ellise Hollie Hayward, is a motivational Speaker, Disabilities Correspondent and General Reporter at Jill Dando News, and AAC Ambassador and Inclusion Advocate for The Priory Learning Trust.

Watch CENMAC student ambassador Khamani interview Ellise.

> Watch interview

> Visit Ellise’s social platforms

Eye Can Write book Cover
Cover of Ghost Boy
Illustration of a map
Image of man in wheelchair in park

Eye Can Write

Jonathan Bryan has cerebral palsy, a condition that makes him incapable of voluntary movement or speech. He was locked inside his own mind, aware of the outside world but unable to fully communicate with it until he found a way by using his eyes to choose individual letters and phrases on a life-changing communication board, to make his thoughts known in this inspiring book ‘Eye Can Write’.

Visit: https://eyecantalk.net/

Ghost boy 

‘Ghost Boy’ is the raw and emotional memoir of Martin Pistorius, who was misdiagnosed when he fell ill as a preteen and had to endure the next ten years of his life trapped inside his own body and not knowing if things would ever change for him.

Visit: http://www.ghostboybook.com/

Author Lillie-Ann

Lillie-Ann has an ambition: to write a book. Our English Advisory Teacher’s role is to facilitate that. In fact, at there first meeting, she informed her that she had a series of seven books up her sleeve! Read several of her chapters:

Visit: cenmac.com/literacy-project

Sweet Home Alsager

This audio is a memoir about a young man leaving home to go to university. It is the beginning of his independence as a young man who has cerebral palsy and uses a communication device. 

Visit: cenmac.com/assistive-technology-stories

Other companies who can help

The following companies are dedicated to supporting people with language and communication difficulties.

There are a wide range of AAC systems that can support or replace speaking. These can include: Gestures, Sign language, PECS, Communication charts, Communication books, Specialist apps, Communication aids

AAC Call Scotland
Communication Matters
Ace Centre
Communication Access UK

AAC Modules

CALL Scotland

Commissioned by NHS Education for Scotland (NES) as part of the Scottish Right to Speak initiative, CALL Scotland has produced a series of two online learning modules on Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Find out more

About CC

Communication Matters

An overview of AAC from the UK branch of the International Society for AAC. It includes information about AAC and the funding process for speech generating devices in the UK.

Find out more

Getting Started

Ace Centre

Information and ebooks on how to get started with AAC from the Ace Centre, a national charity providing support for people with complex communications difficulties.

Find out more

Communication Access UK

Developed by charities and organisations that share a vision to improve the lives of people with communication difficulties. The Communication Access Symbol, a new disability access symbold underpinned by a completely free training package and standards.

Find out more 

tobii dynavox
Communication

Busting AAC Myths

Short articles looking at the most common AAC myths and the science and expertise debunking them.

Find out more

Introduction to AAC

A quick video introduction to AAC and why it is so important from Speech in a Sec.

Find out more