Five AAC Resources to Love!
Those of us who can speak, read and write cannot really imagine what it must be like to understand everyone yet be unable to respond back.
Fortunately, new applications available through iPhones, Androids, iPads and other tablets are making AAC more accessible and affordable than ever before.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to each system or device used to provide communication for the disabled. For people who cannot speak, various Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) now provide alternate communication methods and outlets for interacting with others.
Non-Verbal Students Get Expressive with AAC Apps
Non-verbal autistic children are making great strides when using AAC apps on the iPod Touch device. See the progress for three young students in this video clip — it’s truly touching when one student “asks” to microwave his lunch!
Apps for AAC
Since these interactive technologies make a difference in learning and communicating, there are many options. It can become a bit bewildering to figure out how to access and buy these applications. To learn more, here are five AAC information resources we recommend.
- Spectronics — The Spectronics in Oz site features iPhone and iPad AAC apps, offered from this Australia company. There is a rating system and short reviews of features. (Click here)
- Speech Language Pathology Sharing — The Speech Language Pathology Sharing site offers a list of helpful apps with links and pricing. (Click here)
- Autism Epicenter — Another useful site for apps is Autism Epicenter. The site has a great list of apps that work for autism as well as other disabilities. The list is nicely presented, features clickable app names with helpful reviews, and an easy-to-understand ratings system. (Click here)
- AAC Funding Assistance — Pricing for AAC devices is pretty confusing, because it depends on the nature of the disability for which it is needed. There’s an AAC Funding Help site to help you sort out the options. (Click here)
- Autism Hangout — Lois Brady, a speech-language pathologist who loves the iPad, is writing a book called Apps for Autism. Watch Lois discuss her ideas in this video, produced by the Autism Hangout folks. (Click here)