Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Personalized AAC solutions designed to enhance communication and build confidence.
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can play a vital role in tailoring communication support for with limited verbal speech. AAC can be beneficial at each developmental stage:
- For children: Building early communication skills and fostering language development.
- For teens: Enhancing social interaction and preparing for greater independence.
- For adults: Supporting professional communication and daily interactions.
Verse Therapy has partnered with speech language pathologists across the country who specialize in AAC assessment and treatment. Using evidence-based strategies Verse SLPs will work to assess, trial, and implement the AAC that is appropriate for your loved ones.
Understanding Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
AAC is universal and can be used and implemented with a wide variety of conditions. It can be use for short term solutions or even become your loved one's voice for life.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism can be characterized as natural and expected neurological variations of understanding, expressing, and interacting with the world. AAC can be used in daily routines to empower autistic individuals to communicate based on their needs, preferences, and strengths.
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Cerebral Palsy is a congenital condition known to affect muscle coordination, balance and control, and posture. AAC can be used to provide a consistent mean of communication personalized to you and or your loved one's needs. Working with other professionals on your team can help determine the type of system needed and how to create appropriate accommodations. Mid and high-tech systems could have mounting capabilities, use eye gaze technology, and use a variety of devices to smart phone to laptops.
Down Syndrome
AAC can support individuals with Down Syndrome by providing accessible systems and interventions that utilize a strength-based approach to fostering consistent and effective communication.
Apraxia of Speech
Apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder that affects motor planning of speech sounds. While an individual is working with a licensed speech language pathologist in apraxia treatment, AAC systems can be used to supplement their verbal speaking, reduce frustration, and empower individuals to communicate as they want.
Neurological Conditions
After an accident or injury such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, or spinal cord injuries, speech and language may be affected to the point where verbal speech is significantly difficult. AAC systems restore a means of communication between patients and their loved ones. empowering them to communicate their wants, needs, and preferences.
AAC provides tools and strategies that empower individuals to communicate in confidence.
Explore Your Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Options
Have you ever seen someone use an iPad to have conversations with friends? Or in your everyday life do you find it easier to get someone's attention by raising your hand? These are just a few day to day examples of augmentative and alternative communication. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is defined as all forms of communication beyond verbal speaking. "Augmentative" means to add to one's speech and "Alternative" means to use a system other than verbal speech.
Unaided AAC Methods
AAC can be divided into specific categories to help individuals understand the diversity of communication systems. Aided AAC are systems that use external supports such as visual boards, tech devices, etc. Unaided AAC are systems an individual can utilize without external aids; this can include body language, gestures, and signs.
Low-Tech AAC Systems
Low-tech AAC systems include picture boards, drawing, spelling, and writing.
Mid-Tech AAC Devices
Mid-tech devices are often described as battery-powered devices with some even containing recording capabilities. Users can record sounds, words, or common phrase for later use.
High-Tech AAC Devices
High-tech AAC use advanced speech-generating devices on tablets, screens, or computers to enable dynamic and easily customizable communication options.
Figuring out what AAC system is right for you or your loved one can be a significant decision and it is one you should not have to make by yourself. Verse Therapy partners with SLPs who specialize in AAC to help guide you through the process of system selection, use, and maintenance. You can schedule your free consultation to explore which solution is right for you.
Benefits of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
AAC can have a positive impact on communication and improve quality of life for individuals with speech challenges by providing them with a voice when verbal speech is limited.
Enhanced Social Confidence
By using alternative systems to verbal speech, you or your loved one can feel confident is having a robust AAC for communication in order to participate in daily life.
Improved Communication and Expression
A robust AAC system should include a mix of core (frequently used words) and fringe (various categories such as animals, foods, etc.) vocabulary, customizable UI to edit and add personalized words, and voice and image options that match your identity.
AAC enables individuals to communicate their thoughts, needs, and ideas effectively without having to solely rely on verbal speech.
Improved Independence and Community Participation
AAC solutions support independence and community participation by providing effective tools for daily communication. Through AAC, individuals can engage actively in activities like classroom discussions, ordering at restaurants, and managing daily routines at home and work. These tools help facilitate clear, direct communication across various settings and situations.
AAC opens doors to more independent, engaged communication across all areas of life, empowering individuals to express themselves effectively in their own way.
Why Choose Verse Therapy for Virtual AAC Services?
At Verse Therapy, we partner with SLPs around the country who specialize and understand the importance of AAC. It can be a daunting process from start to finish and our clinicians are trained to walk you through the process step by step.
Convenience
Speech language pathologists working with Verse will work with your schedule and time to provide consultation and training services in AAC for you and your clinical teams. We offer in-person and virtual settings so please check with your SLP for availability!
Flexibility
Services for AAC can accommodate to your personal lifestyle, schedule, and commitments. An SLP will work with you weekly to help you learn the system and generalize to other settings. These sessions can be done in person or virtual, during the week or weekend, and anytime of day!
Accessibility
With the continual rise in telehealth services, finding an AAC provider has never been easier! Virtual consultations and sessions allow you to reach an SLP with ease!
Personalized Care
The process of AAC is different for each individual; it is vital services are tailored to meet your unique communication needs. Your SLP will work with you to come up with a personalized training plans that ensure effective and meaningful communication progress.
What to Expect from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
01Initial Consultation & Assessment
An AAC Assessment encompasses a wide variety of sections including but not limited to:
- Case History
- Orofacial Examination/Perceptual Assessment
- Client & Caregiver Interview
- Observations/Review of Records
- Speech and Language Evaluation
- AAC Needs Assessment
- Impressions and Recommendations.
02Personalized AAC Plan
Your AAC system is dependent on your needs and daily routines. The SLP will work with you to determine what type of system would work best and how to incorporate into your every day life.
03Training and Implementation
When it comes to AAC, you do not have to feel alone. The SLP will work with your family and loved ones to support adoption of AAC and use it effectively.
04Ongoing Support and Adjustments
You may need to see your speech therapist regularly for system maintenance and updates to ensure continued progress.
Meet Our AAC Specialists
Lacey Ramos
Lacey Ramos has over 18 years of experience in the field of Speech-Language Pathology. She provides skilled intervention to children and adults supporting communication skills in various settings, including private clinics and schools. Lacey is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and holds a BS in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from the University of Northern Colorado and an MS in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Wyoming. Outside of work, Lacey enjoys spending time with her husband and son (usually golfing!), hiking, reading, and traveling.
**My Approach to Therapy**
Speech Therapy focuses on creating a supportive and engaging environment tailored to each individual’s goals. My approach integrates evidence-based techniques with creativity to make therapy effective, enjoyable, and client-centered.
**What a Session Looks Like With Lacey**
I provide virtual speech therapy sessions where we address your personal goals by building skills through targeted activities. Sessions are structured yet flexible, progressing while adapting to the client’s unique goals and interests.
Sarah Sponseller
Sarah Sponseller has over 13 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist and therapy leader. She has worked across settings, from skilled nursing to schools to outpatient. She excels at providing skilled interventions for both children and adults, and is certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. Her specialties include dysphagia, aphasia, dementia, cognitive impairment, articulation, language development and AAC. She has a bachelor’s in Human Resources from Xavier University and a Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Cincinnati. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys hiking, boating, traveling, and good cup of coffee.
**My Approach to Speech Therapy**
I take a client-led, holistic approach to speech therapy. It is important to me to use evidence-based treatments, while making sessions productive and fulfilling for my clients. I enjoy establishing rapport and building relationships, which in turn makes our sessions both fun while being serious about reaching goals.
**What a Therapy Session Looks like with Me**
I always like to check in first, and hear how things are going for my clients. We will discuss any changes since the last session, whether they were able to complete homework, and any barriers to progress. Then, we will get into the meat of the session with an activity I have planned or we have agreed upon. At the end, we will review what we worked on and talk about next steps and any activities they can complete prior to our next session.
**Fun Facts About Sarah**
- I love sports, particularly football and basketball.
- I enjoy hiking and boating, so much that it's what prompted me to move to the PNW.
- I love to read and am always looking for my next book.
April Jackson
April Jackson is a neuroaffirming Speech-Language Pathologist with licensed expertise in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating speech, language, and communication disorders as well as feeding difficulties while utilizing culturally aware, evidenced-based practices. April has extensive experience working with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and encourages generalization of multi-modal communication skills in an intentional effort to improve the quality of life experienced by the clients she has been called to serve. April believes in tailoring individualized speech therapy treatment plans specific to each client’s unique needs. She is an advocate for nurturing neurodiversity affirming communication skills through training and education to families and caregivers in order to promote functional communication skills. April earned a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2016 and has experience in various settings including adult rehabilitation, public schools, pediatric private clinics, ABA centers, as well as home health.
**My Approach to Therapy**
My inclusive, affirming, evidence aware, client led approach to therapy prioritizes connection and support intrinsic motivation
**What a Session Looks Like With April**
Emotionally supportive to both clients and families, interactive to peak the interests of client, taking intentional time to understand client’s unique strengths/interests, while guiding clients toward their goals
**Fun Facts About April**
I love cuddling up with my husband and watching a great film, going on walks with friends, and spending quality time with family. In my spare time I enjoy karaoke, making vision boards, and reading a good book.
Real Stories of Transformation
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FAQs About Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) encompasses a range of tools and strategies that support or replace natural speech. From simple picture boards to sophisticated speech-generating devices, AAC opens new pathways for expression, allowing individuals to share thoughts, needs, and connections with others. This therapeutic approach transforms communication possibilities for those who face challenges with verbal expression.
AAC supports individuals across various communication challenges:
- Children with developmental delays who are building early language skills
- Individuals with speech and language disorders seeking additional ways to express themselves
- Those experiencing temporary or progressive conditions affecting speech
- People recovering from neurological events who need communication support Each person's journey with AAC is unique, shaped by their specific needs, abilities, and communication goals.
AAC systems range from basic to advanced solutions:
- Low-tech options like communication boards and picture exchange systems
- Mid-tech devices featuring recorded messages and simple selections
- High-tech solutions with dynamic displays and sophisticated language systems
- Mobile apps and tablets adapted for communication support The diversity of options ensures that individuals can find tools that match their needs and preferences.
Choosing an AAC system involves careful consideration of:
- Individual communication needs and goals
- Physical abilities and motor skills
- Cognitive abilities and language understanding
- Environmental factors and daily routines
- Support system availability and technical comfort This collaborative process involves the individual, family members, and professionals working together to find the most effective communication solution.
AAC offers transformative possibilities for enhancing:
- Expression of needs and wants
- Social interaction and relationship building
- Participation in educational settings
- Independence in daily activities
- Overall quality of life and communication confidence Through consistent use and support, AAC becomes a powerful tool for breaking down communication barriers and fostering meaningful connections with others.
Take the First Step to Empower Communication
AAC systems can play a valuable part in your or your loved one's life in its transformative potential to elevate your communication needs and improve quality of life.