Is your child non-verbal or has limited verbal communication? Do they find it challenging to express themselves? Are you looking for a solution for basic communication needs? If you answered yes to any of these questions, your child may benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) empowers people with speech difficulties to communicate. It can involve supplementing speech (augmentative) with gestures or pictures or replacing speech entirely (alternative) with tech devices like speech generators.
AAC tools come in various forms, including low-tech and high-tech options.
Let’s break down the differences between two aided AAC systems – low-tech and high-tech AAC.
What is the Difference Between High and Low-Tech AAC?
There are two main categories of AAC: high-tech and low-tech. High-tech AAC uses electronic devices with customizable features and voice output. Low-tech AAC utilizes simple, non-electronic tools like picture boards. Both options have strengths; the right choice depends on the user’s needs.
What is Low-Tech AAC?
Low-tech AAC refers to communication methods and tools without batteries, electricity, or electronics. These innovative solutions support individuals who struggle with oral speech, enabling them to communicate more effectively with others.
Low-tech AAC options range from simple systems like picture boards to complex non-electronic tools customized to users’ needs.
Let’s explore some low-tech AAC examples:
| Low-Tech AAC Option | Description |
| Picture Boards and Communication Books | Visual tools for pointing to pictures or symbols to communicate wants, needs, and feelings. |
| Alphabet Boards | Allows children who can spell to communicate any message, letter by letter. |
| PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) | Teaches children the basics of communication through picture exchange. |
| Writing and drawing tools | Enables personalized communication for children who can write or draw. |
| Gestures and Sign Language | Body language, gestures, and formal sign language systems like ASL are all forms of AAC. |
Low-tech AAC has many options to suit each user’s communication needs. Some users will use multiple low-tech AAC methods to communicate their needs across different settings.
Pros and Cons of Low-Tech AAC
Low-tech AAC is a powerful tool that provides a voice to those with communication challenges. Many individuals have thrived using low-tech AAC. However, just like any system, low-tech AAC has advantages and disadvantages.
Here are some of the benefits and limitations of Low-tech AAC:
| Feature | Pros of Low-Tech AAC | Cons of Low-Tech AAC |
| Accessibility | Low-tech tools are generally affordable and readily available. | Limited availability of specialized items in some regions. |
| Durability | Less prone to damage and don’t require batteries or electricity. | May still wear out over time and need replacing. |
| Ease of Use | Simple to learn and use for both children and communication partners. | May not support advanced communication needs as effectively. |
| Expressiveness | Provides a range of basic expressions suitable for many needs. | Offers a more limited range of expressions compared to high-tech AAC devices that produce voice output. |
| Speed | Effective for basic, slower-paced communication. | Communication can be slower than using high-tech AAC or oral speech. |
| Customization and Updating | Customizable to fit individual needs and preferences. | Updating and modifying materials can be more labor-intensive. |
Low-Tech AAC plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with communication challenges. It offers a starting point for many who are beginning to use AAC. It continues to serve as a reliable mode of communication, especially in situations where high-tech options are not feasible.
Who Benefits from Low-Tech AAC?
Low-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems benefit a wide range of individuals with communication challenges. These challenges may arise from congenital conditions, developmental disorders, acquired conditions, or temporary impairments.
Here are some groups who often benefit from Low-tech AAC:
| Low-Tech AAC Users | Description |
| Children with Developmental Disabilities | Low-tech AAC supports language development and social interaction for children with autism, cerebral palsy, or intellectual disabilities. |
| Adults with Acquired Conditions | Adults who have experienced strokes, brain injuries, or degenerative diseases can use low-tech AAC to regain communication skills. |
| Individuals with Temporary Communication Needs | People recovering from surgeries or illnesses that impact speech can benefit from low-tech AAC. |
| People with Speech and Language Impairments | Low-tech AAC aids communication for those who stutter, have articulation disorders, or voice disorders. |
| Non-verbal Individuals | Low-tech AAC provides a communication method for individuals without oral speech. |
| People in Environments Unsuited to High-Tech AAC | Low-tech AAC is a reliable option in places where electronics are impractical. |
| Early Communicators | Young children or those beginning to learn communication skills can use low-tech AAC as a foundation, especially in educational settings. |
Low-tech AAC enhances inclusion, participation, and autonomy for individuals with communication challenges. It allows them to express needs and emotions, participate in activities, and improve their quality of life.
Interested in Learning More About Low-Tech AAC Communication?
Discover more about effective communication tools by exploring our other insightful articles.
- What is PECS Communication? – Understand how the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) can empower children with communication challenges.
- What is a Core Board? – Learn about the simplicity and effectiveness of core boards in facilitating everyday communication.
Learn more about the world of AAC and find the best tools to support your child’s communication journey. Click the links to read more.
What is High-Tech AAC?
High-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) empowers people with speech or language difficulties to share their thoughts and needs. It takes communication a step further, using advanced electronic devices and software to create a powerful and versatile toolbox.
These high-tech solutions offer dynamic screens where symbols, pictures, and text can produce voice output. Many of these systems are customizable and can be programmed to suit the specific communication needs of the user, ranging from basic needs expression to complex conversations.
Here’s an overview of some common types of high-tech AAC:
| High-Tech AAC Option | Description |
| Speech-Generating Devices (SGDs) | These are electronic devices with buttons or touchscreens that allow users to choose words, phrases, or even whole sentences to be spoken aloud. SGDs come in all shapes and sizes, from simple to complex, depending on the user’s needs. |
| Dedicated Communication Tablets | These are tablets loaded with special AAC software and apps, designed specifically for communication. |
| AAC Apps on Consumer Electronics | These are tablets loaded with special AAC software and apps designed specifically for communication. |
| Eye-Tracking Systems | These systems allow users to control an AAC device using their eye movements. This is helpful for users with physical limitations that make it difficult to use touchscreens or buttons. |
| Touchscreen Devices with Customizable Interfaces | These devices have touchscreens that can be set up with pictures, symbols, and words that users can choose to communicate. Users can customize the interface to fit their specific needs and preferences. |
The beauty of high-tech AAC is its flexibility. Users can utilize different tools, adapting their communication strategies to different environments and needs.
Pros and Cons of High-Tech AAC
High-tech AAC opens new doors for individuals with complex communication needs, offering expressiveness and interaction that closely mimics natural speech.
Here are some pros and cons of high-tech AAC to consider:
| Feature | Pros of High-Tech AAC | Cons of High-Tech AAC |
| Expressiveness | Enables a wide range of expressions, including voice output, enhancing social interactions and autonomy. | May still have limitations in capturing the full nuance of human speech and expression. |
| Customization | Highly customizable to adjust as users’ needs and skills change over time. | Customization requires time, effort, and sometimes technical knowledge. |
| Speed | Predictive text and stored phrases allow faster and more efficient communication. | May still be slower than natural speech, depending on the user’s proficiency and the device’s features. |
| Accessibility | Provides advanced features that can meet complex communication needs. | Often more expensive than low-tech options, limiting availability for some users. |
| Durability and Dependence on Power | Advanced technology that can support various communication forms. | More prone to damage and requires regular charging or power sources. |
| Learning Curve | Can offer training resources and support for users and their partners. | Users and their communication partners may require significant training and time to use effectively. |
High-Tech AAC is essential in empowering individuals with severe communication challenges, providing them with tools for complex expression and participation in a digital world.
Who Benefits from High-Tech AAC?
Individuals with a wide range of communication impairments can benefit from high-tech AAC, including those with severe speech or language disorders, motor impairments affecting speech, and conditions that progressively limit verbal communication.
Here are some groups that significantly benefit from high-tech AAC:
| High-Tech AAC Users | Description |
| Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities | AAC can support language development and social interaction for people with autism, intellectual disabilities, or other developmental conditions. |
| People with Speech Impairments | High-tech AAC can provide a voice to those who have difficulty speaking due to conditions like cerebral palsy, aphasia, or developmental disorders. |
| People with Physical Limitations | For those with limited mobility or coordination, eye-tracking and other adaptive access methods can make AAC devices easier to use. |
| People with Progressive Conditions | High-tech AAC can assist individuals with conditions that progressively impair speech and mobility, such as ALS or Parkinson’s disease. |
High-tech AAC enhances independence and social integration, supporting effective communication, literacy, education, and broader participation. Its adaptability ensures it evolves with the user’s needs, offering a long-term, personalized solution tailored to each individual’s preferences and circumstances.
Low-tech AAC offers a simple and accessible solution for basic communication needs, while high-tech AAC provides advanced features for complex communication. The best choice depends on the individual’s needs and abilities, with the ultimate goal of AAC being to empower them for greater inclusion and self-expression.
Learn More About AAC Communication
Expand your understanding of AAC and discover how it can support your child’s communication journey by exploring our other informative articles:
- What is PECS Communication? – Explore how the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) can help your child express themselves using picture cards.
- What is a Core Board? – Learn how a core board can empower your child with a simple set of words for effective daily communication.
- What is the Difference Between PECS and Core Boards? – Understand the unique features and benefits of PECS and core boards to choose the right tool for your child’s needs.
Click the links to read more and support your child’s communication development.
