Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Personalized AAC solutions designed to enhance communication and build confidence.
Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
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
After an accident or injury such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, or spinal cord injuries, speech and language may be affect 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.
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 include picture boards, drawing, spelling, and writing.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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)
Initial Consultation
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.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Following the dysarthria evaluation, the therapist will develop a dysarthria treatment plan that focuses on the areas needing improvement while also considering your personal goals.
Ongoing Sessions
While participating in weekly therapy, your therapist keeps detailed records of your progress towards your goals. This allows them to monitor your progress and ensure you are making appropriate progress.
Maintenance Strategies
Feel free to chat with your speech therapist to learn ways to provide practice at home or for tips on improving communication with the individual participating in dysarthria therapy!
Meet Our Voice Therapy Specialists
Real Stories of Transformation
FAQs About Voice Therapy
Dysarthria typically results from neurological conditions or injuries that affect the muscles used for speech. This can include stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or other conditions that impact the nervous system's ability to coordinate speech muscles. Sometimes, dysarthria may also develop following surgery or as a side effect of certain medications.
The duration of dysarthria therapy varies significantly based on the underlying cause, severity, and individual factors. Some individuals may see improvements within a few months of consistent therapy, while others may benefit from ongoing support. The therapy journey is personalized, with progress depending on factors like neurological recovery, practice consistency, and therapeutic goals.
Dysarthria therapy employs a comprehensive set of techniques including breathing exercises, oral-motor exercises to strengthen speech muscles, articulation drills, and rate modification strategies. Therapists also work on prosody (rhythm and intonation of speech), vocal loudness, and may incorporate technology-assisted feedback. Treatment often includes both direct exercises and practical communication strategies for daily life.
Yes, dysarthria therapy can significantly improve speech clarity for many individuals. Through targeted exercises and consistent practice, people often experience better articulation, improved breath support, and more precise muscle control. While the degree of improvement varies, many individuals achieve clearer, more intelligible speech that enhances their ability to communicate effectively in daily situations.
Dysarthria therapy can benefit anyone diagnosed with dysarthria, regardless of age or severity. This includes individuals who have experienced stroke, traumatic brain injury, progressive neurological conditions, or other conditions affecting speech muscle control. A thorough evaluation by a speech-language pathologist can determine the most appropriate therapy approach based on individual needs and capabilities.
Take the First Step to Reclaim Your Voice
Are you prepared to begin your journey toward improved speech? We invite you to connect with us and schedule a meeting with one of our experienced speech therapists who specializes in Dysarthria. Our dedicated team is passionate about helping you achieve your speech goals and will work closely with you to create a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs.