Recent Advances in Augmentative and Alternative Communication: The Advantages and Challenges of Technology Applications for Communicative Purposes

Augmentative And Alternative Communication: An Overview

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to any and all assisting communicative functions which 'augment' or serve as 'alternatives' for verbal vocalizations. In addition to verbal speech, these can include any vocalizations, gestures, facial expressions or AAC devices. Furthermore, AAC systems can include light tech tools, such as an alphabet board or communication book (McBride, 2011).

AAC systems are utilized by individuals who require adaptive support for expressive communication, such as reading and writing. People from all age groups, socioeconomic groups, races and religions use AAC as a means to communicate expressively. Children and adults alike who require assistance with expressive communication due to both congenital and acquired language impairments will use AAC systems to communicate with their family and peers. Individuals with congenital impairments such as cerebral palsy, autism, mental retardation and developmental apraxia of speech, use AAC systems as a form of expressive communication which allows them to partake in daily social interactions. These children may require use of AAC devices due to significant communicative needs in their social, family, educational and community environments (Light & McNaughton, 2012). Individuals with acquired impairments which result in profound communication difficulties, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord injury, often require some form of AAC for expressive output purposes (Beukelman & Mirenda, 1998).