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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eye Can Write
Jonathan Bryan had cerebral palsy, a condition that made 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Busting AAC Myths
Short articles looking at the most common AAC myths and the science and expertise debunking them.
Introduction to AAC
A quick video introduction to AAC and why it is so important from Speech in a Sec.