Last week, one of the teachers we serve reached out concerned that two of her non-speaking students were not being given access to AAC. She reported that her speech therapist had determined that the boys were not “ready for AAC.”  

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems are vital tools designed to support individuals who are unable to meet their communication needs through natural speech. The main criterion for determining if a person is "ready" for AAC is straightforward: does the individual have a need to communicate that cannot be fulfilled by their current means of communication?

If speech alone is not meeting a person’s need to communicate, they are “ready” for AAC solutions to be considered!

Here’s how AAC can be effectively considered and tailored:

1. Communication Needs: AAC is crucial for individuals who need alternative methods to supplement or replace their natural speech. This includes those with physical impairments, developmental conditions, or anyone with significant communication restrictions.
2. Difficulty Speaking When Dysregulated: AAC provides a stable method for communication for those who struggle to speak under emotional or environmental stress. These systems offer consistent ways to express needs and emotions when traditional speech may be compromised.
3. Expressive Vocabulary and Language Difficulties: For individuals with limited expressive abilities, AAC systems can enhance communication by providing structured vocabulary and language constructs, facilitating clearer and more effective communication.
4. Receptive Language Challenges: AAC can also be configured to assist individuals who have trouble understanding spoken language. Systems can be designed to use symbols, pictures, and text that improve comprehension and interaction.
5. Intrinsic Motivation: The drive to communicate is fundamental and AAC readiness hinges on this intrinsic motivation. AAC systems can empower users by providing them the tools to express themselves, which is often a key motivator in their adoption and continued use.
6. Physical Abilities: Modern AAC solutions are highly adaptable, designed to cater to various levels of physical ability. Technologies such as touch screens, eye-gaze systems, and specialized switches enable users to operate their AAC devices in ways that suit their physical capabilities.
7. Support System: The effectiveness of AAC is greatly enhanced by a supportive environment. Family members, educators, and therapists are crucial in integrating AAC into daily use, ensuring the individual can communicate effectively across different settings.
8. Experimentation: Finding the right AAC system often involves trying various options to see which best fits the user’s needs. This trial process is essential for customizing an AAC solution that maximizes the user’s communication potential.

Professionals like speech-language pathologists are instrumental in assessing needs and guiding the selection and customization of AAC systems, ensuring they align well with the user's communication goals and lifestyle. The readiness for AAC is primarily about recognizing the essential need to communicate and finding the right tools to fulfill that need.