If you or your child have a communication difficulty, contact your GP. They should be able to advise you and refer to a speech and language therapist as required.

Paper-based communication aids are also called non-powered communication aids. 

They are usually cheaper than powered communication aids

Common types include:

• picture cards, photos or communication symbols
• picture or symbol communication books, such as from Boardmaker and Widgit
• E-Tran Frame for eye pointing
• alphabet board
• communication support tools such as 'now and next' and 'visual timetables'

You can ask your speech and language therapist or occupational therapist about what might work well for you or your child.

A powered communication aid needs a battery or another type of power to work. They run on devices like computers, tablets, phones or specialist communication devices.

People with dexterity needs can use a powered aid. It might need to be adapted so they can use it in a way that works for them. Ask your occupational therapist or speech and language therapist about what would work for you or your child.

Access methods

You can access aids in several ways, depending on what you need. There are lots of types of pointer tools. For example:

• touching the screen with your fingers or a stylus
• using a pointer tool, like a head mouse or adapted mouse
• tracking where your eyes are looking with an eyegaze camera
• using a switch like a big mac or jellybean switch
• using a joystick

How they help you communicate

They can allow you to:

• select from pre-programmed or predicted words and phrases in text or symbol form
• organise the words, phrases or symbols into categories
• type your own messages so they can be spoken out loud 

You might be able to choose the voice that speaks the words. Some communication aids use a computer-generated voice. Sometimes you can record yourself or someone else's voice and save it in the communication aid. This is sometimes called using a 'banked voice'.

Powered AAC:

• have a screen showing what you have said so that you can see it and people can also read it
• may help you to link with internet tools like social media and email
• may help you to use a phone to make calls, send texts and emails
• can be reprogrammed, changed and customised
• allow you to use symbols as well as words

These aids can be:

• hand-held
• mounted to a wheelchair, table or other surfaces
• on the floor
• on a desk or floor stand

Communication aid packages and apps

Various specialist software and vocabulary packages are available for communication aids. Companies that offer these are in the database below.

Apps that make life more accessible: communication apps

Contact Scotland has a poster and a list of iPad apps to help people with complex communication needs.

iPad Apps for Complex Communication Support Needs (Contact Scotland)

You may be able to apply for funding from:

• local NHS speech and language therapy
• a regional specialist NHS AAC service
• your local integrated care board
• your local council if you are in education
• Family Fund
• The Sequal Trust

You may be able to get a grant through Access to Work if you need it for your job. This is called a reasonable adjustment. Equipment bought through Access to Work belongs to your employer.

Reasonable adjustments at work

Search for grants (Turn2us)

Finding and applying for grants

If you got your equipment through an NHS AAC referral, ask your speech and language therapist for support.

Specialist speech and language therapist Amie Woghiren has these tips:

Be patient and supportive

Using AAC takes a lot more time than speaking. If someone has not replied yet, they may still be thinking. Wait and then wait a bit longer.

Be familiar

Get to know the vocabulary, phrases and tools on the device so that you can solve problems together. This will also mean that you can plan for new words. These could be names at a new job, or vocabulary for a new topic at school.

Teach, not test

If you are working with someone new to AAC, it is like learning a new language. 

Asking lots of questions is unhelpful if you do not know the answers. Once you are familiar with the device, you can show where to find the words and phrases the person needs.

You can encourage someone to use AAC when they want to use it, but do not try to force them.

Take it everywhere

Unless there is a safety reason (like being near water), there is no limit to where an AAC device can be useful.

Vary language

AAC is useful for expressing choices, but there is more to life than 'I want’. You can use AAC to make jokes, express feelings, make speeches and deepen friendships. The possibilities are endless.

Once you have your communication aid, you could also:

• search online for videos of people using similar products
• check company websites for training, manuals and videos

Be a good communication partner

AssitiveWare has guidance on being a good communication partner. They also have training resources and information about different types of AAC.

How to be a respectful communication partner (AssitiveWare)