AAC Support for Children in Edmonton
Every child deserves a reliable way to communicate.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC, includes tools and strategies that support communication for people who communicate in ways other than, or in addition to, speech.
What Is AAC?
AAC can include many different forms of communication, from gestures and communication boards to speech-generating devices and other systems.
The right communication approach depends on the individual child.
How Speech-Language Therapy Can Help
AAC support may involve:
- • understanding a child's communication strengths and needs
• identifying functional communication goals
• supporting use of an existing AAC system
• helping caregivers recognize communication opportunities
• supporting communication across everyday activities
• collaborating with families and, when appropriate, other professionals
Communication Comes First
AAC should not be viewed as a replacement for meaningful interaction. It is a way to give children reliable opportunities to express themselves, participate, make choices, connect with others, and be understood.
Family-Centred AAC Support
Families play an important role in creating consistent communication opportunities.
We work collaboratively to help communication strategies fit naturally into daily routines.