Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Personalized AAC solutions designed to enhance communication and build confidence.

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:
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An AAC Assessment encompasses a wide variety of sections including but not limited to:
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.
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.
You may need to see your speech therapist regularly for system maintenance and updates to ensure continued progress.
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:
AAC systems range from basic to advanced solutions:
Choosing an AAC system involves careful consideration of:
AAC offers transformative possibilities for enhancing:
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.