AAC competencies

The USA-based therapist Janice Light found that four competencies were needed to use Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC). She refers to these as operational, linguistic, social and strategic competencies.

While operational and linguistic competencies are managed by therapists and teachers and are concerned with the basic use of any communication aid, social and strategic competencies may not always be addressed in the school environment.

Operational competence

This is about operating the communication system and covers:

• Access methods, speed, transmission accuracy
• How to find and activate words and phrases
• Speaking word-by-word or in sentences

Linguistic competence

• The range of communication function
• Balance of positive and negative vocabulary
• Provision of vocabulary for a range of people and situations

Social competence

• The niceties of breaking into group discussions
• Remaining on subject or moving the conversation on to a new topic
• Standing up for your rights
• Asking people to face you rather than look over your shoulder at your communication aid

Strategic competence

• Which communication methods to use, and when to use them
• Different styles of communication for different communication partners and situations
• How to indicate the desire to add something at that point in the conversation and prepare the full message without holding up the discussion

It’s important that any child has the vocabulary they need and that any AAC system is one step ahead of them, anticipating new topics. This is particularly crucial in the teenage years as the young person prepares to become an adult.