Aided AAC

There are many forms of AAC that use aids or devices.  They may be simple or extremely complex. 

Examples of Aided AAC

• Objects can be used to help someone understand.  Objects are often associated with different events or activities and may be used to represent them.  For example, keys may be used to indicate that the person will be going in a car. Offering a range of objects also allows a person to make a choice. Choosing between objects is the simplest way of making a choice and can give a person some control over his or her life.  For example, the person’s communication partner may hold up a cup of tea and a glass of orange juice and observe which drink the person looks at or points to.
• Photographs provide a two dimensional image of objects, people and places.  They may be displayed on a communication aid to allow a person to indicate a message.  Photos are usually easier to understand than line drawings because they directly represent people, objects, places and activities that are relevant to the person. 
• Symbols and line drawings can be used to represent objects, people, places, actions, feelings and other words. There are many different sets of line drawings available. 
• Spelling is a form of AAC.  It may be used if a person can read and write but does not have functional speech.  Some people may find typing easier than handwriting because it is easier to press a key on a keyboard than use a pen.
• Communication aids/ displays (books, diaries, boards, folders) can be made specifically to suit an individual’s needs. These may use photos, line drawings, words or letters of the alphabet.

• Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs) are devices that generate spoken words using synthesised speech (artificial voice) or digitised speech (recorded human voice). Some VOCAs may also generate printed words.  VOCAs are constantly changing as technology advances.  There are many different types available. VOCAs are sometimes referred to as Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) or Electronic Communication Devices (ECDs).

Suppliers of communication aids in Australia include:

Zygo
Technical Solutions Australia
Novitatech
Spectronics
Technability