Communication aids and AAC

This information applies to England and Wales.

Communication aids are tools that help people communicate in a way that they and others understand. 

Everyone communicates differently. What works for a person may not work for another. Some people may need several ways to communicate.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a range of communication aids that you can use:

• as well as speaking
• or instead of speaking

AAC can be:

• aided (equipment required, such as a communication book or high-tech device)
• unaided (no equipment required, such as signing or gesture)
• high-tech (power-based, such as tablet)
• low-tech (no power required such as a paper communication book)

AAC should be accessible for the person using it. This means they can:

• understand it
• physically use it, for example using a joystick instead of a touchscreen if that’s easier

The right AAC can help you to have more control over how you communicate. High-tech AAC can also mean you get to choose the voice you use.

AAC can help people who:

• have a speech impairment that some people find hard to understand
• are not able to use their voice for a physical reason
• are not able to speak due to a learning difficulty or neurodivergence
• are selectively mute (not able to speak in some or all situations)

If you have a speech and language therapist, they will help you find the equipment you need. You can research equipment and suggest things you might find useful, but you do not have to.

How to find support

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.

Low-tech communication aids

Low-tech communication aids:

• do not need a battery
• are often paper-based
• are usually cheaper than high-tech communication aids

Common types include:

• picture cards, photos or communication symbols made by companies
• signing, such as Makaton and Signalong
• picture or symbol communication books, such as from Boardmaker and Widgit

High-tech communication aids

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

You do not need dexterity to use a high-tech aid. A healthcare professional, such as an occupational therapist or speech and language therapist, will be able to advise on a suitable access method.

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
• using a pointer tool, like a head 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:

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

They:

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

These aids can be:

• hand-held
• mounted to a wheelchair or other surfaces
• on the floor
• on a desk 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.

Supplier database (Communication Matters)

Apps that make life more accessible: communication apps

Funding

You may be able to apply for funding from:

• your local integrated care board
• your local authority (if in education)
• AAC specialist hubs for England and Wales (Communication Matters)
• Family Fund

Funding for communication aids (Communication Matters)

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

Helping someone use a communication aid

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're working with someone new to AAC, it's like learning a new language. Asking lots of questions is unhelpful if you do not know the answers. Once you're familiar with what's on 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's a safety reason (like being near water), there's 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