AAC Devices and Apps: Complete Guide for Families

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) encompasses all forms of communication beyond spoken words. Whether your loved one is non-speaking, has unclear speech, or loses speech intermittently, AAC tools can provide a voice and reduce communication frustration. This guide will help you understand your options and get started with AAC.

Understanding AAC: The Basics

What Is AAC?

AAC includes any method used to communicate besides natural speech. This ranges from gestures and sign language to picture cards and sophisticated speech-generating devices. AAC can be temporary (during speech development or recovery) or long-term support.

Who Benefits from AAC?

AAC supports individuals with:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• Cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome
• Childhood apraxia of speech
• Stroke or brain injury
• Progressive conditions (ALS, MS, Parkinson's)
• Intellectual disabilities
• Temporary conditions (intubation, surgery recovery)

The AAC Myths: Debunked

Myth 1: "AAC will prevent speech development" Truth: Research shows AAC often facilitates speech by reducing frustration and providing language models.

Myth 2: "We should wait to see if speech develops" Truth: Early AAC introduction supports overall communication development without prerequisites.

Myth 3: "AAC is only for those who can't speak at all" Truth: Many AAC users have some speech but use AAC for clarity, specific situations, or when tired.

Types of AAC Systems

No-Tech/Low-Tech AAC

Simple, affordable options requiring no power source.

Communication Boards:

• Picture symbols arranged on boards
• Organized by category or frequency
• Portable and durable
• Cost: $10-100

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System):

• Physical picture cards
• Teaches communication initiation
• Systematic teaching protocol
• Cost: $150-400 for starter kit

Written Communication:

• Pen and paper
• Dry erase boards
• Letter boards
• Cost: Under $20

Best For: Beginning communicators, backup systems, specific environments (pool, bath)

Mid-Tech AAC

Battery-powered devices with simple voice output.

Single Message Devices:

• BIGmack, Step-by-Step
• Record single or sequential messages
• Great for participation
• Cost: $100-200

Simple Voice Output Devices:

• GoTalk series
• Multiple messages on one device
• Static display
• Cost: $150-500

Best For: Classroom participation, routine communications, users with limited motor skills

High-Tech AAC

Computer-based systems with dynamic displays and speech output.

Dedicated AAC Devices:

Tobii Dynavox Systems:

• I-Series (eye gaze control)
• T-Series (touch screen)
• Comprehensive vocabulary
• Cost: $5,000-15,000

PRC-Saltillo Devices:

• Accent series
• NOVA Chat
• Multiple access methods
• Cost: $4,000-8,000

iPad-Based AAC Apps:

Proloquo2Go:

• Most popular AAC app
• Symbol and text-based
• Crescendo vocabulary system
• Cost: $249.99

TouchChat:

• Word Power vocabulary
• Customizable pages
• Built-in word finder
• Cost: $149.99-299.99

LAMP Words for Life:

• Motor planning approach
• Consistent motor patterns
• Research-based
• Cost: $299.99

Snap + Core First:

• Tobii Dynavox app
• Picture-supported
• Growth-focused pathways
• Cost: Free lite version, $49.99 full

Best For: Complex communication needs, users wanting language growth, multiple environments

Choosing the Right AAC System

Assessment Considerations

Motor Skills:

• Can they point accurately?
• Do they need scanning options?
• Would eye gaze work better?
• Consider fatigue factors

Cognitive Abilities:

• Symbol understanding level
• Category organization skills
• Memory for symbol locations
• Ability to combine symbols

Vision and Hearing:

• Visual acuity for symbols
• Color contrast needs
• Auditory processing for voice output
• Need for visual or auditory scanning

Communication Environments:

• Home vs. school vs. community
• Noise levels
• Portability needs
• Durability requirements

The AAC Feature Comparison

Vocabulary Organization:

• Semantic-based (by meaning)
• Pragmatic-based (by use)
• Alphabetical
• Frequency-based
• Motor planning-based

Access Methods:

• Direct selection (touching)
• Scanning (switch access)
• Eye gaze
• Head pointing
• Partner-assisted scanning

Voice Options:

• Synthesized speech
• Recorded speech
• Child/adult voices
• Male/female options
• Voice banking capabilities

Getting Started with AAC

Step 1: Start Simple

Begin with low-tech options to establish communication foundation:

• Create a basic communication board
• Use 4-6 highly motivating vocabulary words
• Model use without requiring imitation
• Expand gradually based on success

Step 2: Model, Model, Model

Aided Language Stimulation:

• Use the AAC system while talking
• Point to symbols as you speak
• Don't require immediate responses
• Show how AAC works in real situations

Example Morning Routine Modeling: "Time to EAT (point) BREAKFAST (point). Do you WANT (point) CEREAL (point) or EGGS (point)?"

Step 3: Create Opportunities

Engineer situations requiring communication:

• Offer choices using AAC
• Pause during familiar routines
• "Forget" important items
• Create problems to solve
• Celebrate all communication attempts

Step 4: Ensure Access Everywhere

Home Setup:

• Communication boards in each room
• Device charging station
• Visual schedules
• Choice boards for activities

School Preparation:

• Train all team members
• Create classroom-specific vocabulary
• Ensure device goes everywhere
• Plan for device failures

Community Access:

• Portable communication cards
• Device shoulder strap
• Weather protection
• Restaurant/store vocabulary

Implementation Strategies

For Young Children

Play-Based Learning:

• Use AAC during preferred activities
• Create play-specific boards
• Model during sensory play
• Incorporate into songs and books

Core Vocabulary Focus:

• Start with: more, stop, go, help, want
• These words work across activities
• Build phrases gradually
• Maintain consistent symbol placement

For School-Age Children

Academic Integration:

• Subject-specific vocabulary pages
• Participation phrases for class
• Social vocabulary for peers
• Self-advocacy language

Peer Training:

• Teach classmates about AAC
• Create communication partners
• Develop AAC ambassadors
• Normalize AAC use

For Teenagers

Age-Appropriate Content:

• Social media vocabulary
• Text-speak and slang
• Privacy features
• Peer-approved voices

Independence Focus:

• Self-programming skills
• Problem-solving strategies
• Self-advocacy vocabulary
• Future planning language

For Adults

Functional Priorities:

• Medical communication
• Work-related vocabulary
• Social conversation
• Emergency information

Efficiency Features:

• Rate enhancement tools
• Predictive text
• Saved messages
• Quick phrases

Troubleshooting Common Challenges

"They're Not Using It"

Solutions:

• Reduce vocabulary complexity
• Increase motivating vocabulary
• Model more frequently
• Check positioning and access
• Ensure device is always available

"It's Too Slow"

Solutions:

• Teach motor patterns
• Use prediction features
• Pre-program phrases
• Practice frequently used paths
• Consider different organization

"They Only Request"

Solutions:

• Model commenting
• Create comment opportunities
• Reduce questions
• Wait for initiations
• Celebrate non-requests

"The School Won't Support It"

Solutions:

• Request AAC evaluation
• Share success videos
• Provide training resources
• Know your rights (IDEA)
• Connect school with SLP

Funding AAC Devices

Insurance Coverage

Private Insurance:

• Requires medical necessity documentation
• Speech evaluation required
• May need prior authorization
• Appeal denials with support

Medicaid:

• Covers SGDs (Speech Generating Devices)
• State-specific requirements
• Durable Medical Equipment benefit
• Work with approved vendors

School Funding

IEP/504 Plan:

• Request AAC evaluation
• Document in IEP as required tool
• School provides for educational use
• May get device to keep

Alternative Funding

Options to Explore:

• iPad for Kids grants
• Local service clubs (Rotary, Lions)
• Variety Club
• First Hand Foundation
• GoFundMe campaigns

Supporting AAC Success

Family Involvement

Daily Strategies:

• Use AAC for one activity daily
• Have AAC present at meals
• Create communication routines
• Involve siblings
• Celebrate small wins

Professional Support

AAC Specialists:

• Comprehensive evaluations
• Device trials
• Training programs
• Troubleshooting support
• Insurance documentation

Online Resources

Training and Support:

• AAC Language Lab (free courses)
• PrAACtical AAC website
• Facebook AAC parent groups
• YouTube implementation videos
• App-specific tutorials

Making AAC Part of Life

Beyond Requesting

Expand communication functions:

• Commenting: "Cool!" "Yucky" "Pretty"
• Protesting: "No" "Stop" "All done"
• Greeting: "Hi" "Bye" "See you"
• Questioning: "What" "Where" "Why"
• Sharing information: "I went..." "I saw..."

Building Language

Progression Path:

1. Single words
2. Two-word combinations
3. Simple sentences
4. Grammar markers
5. Complex communication

Measuring Progress

Track growth through:

• Vocabulary size increase
• Utterance length growth
• Communication function variety
• Initiation frequency
• Partner understanding

The Journey Ahead

AAC implementation is a marathon, not a sprint. Progress may be slow initially, but consistent support and practice lead to communication breakthroughs. Remember:

• Every communication attempt matters
• Families are crucial to AAC success
• Technology is a tool, not a solution
• Persistence pays off
• Celebrate all progress

Conclusion

AAC opens doors to communication for those who cannot rely on speech alone. Whether starting with picture cards or exploring high-tech devices, the goal remains the same: giving everyone a way to be heard.

Start where you are, use what you have, and remember that the best AAC system is the one that gets used. With patience, practice, and the right support, AAC can transform frustration into conversation, isolation into connection, and silence into expression.

Your journey with AAC may feel overwhelming initially, but you're not alone. Seek support from professionals, connect with other AAC families, and trust in your loved one's ability to communicate. Every person deserves a voice – AAC helps make that possible.