Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Reclaiming your voice with AAC

Communication is the foundation of our relationships and our independence. When spoken communication becomes difficult or impossible due to a medical condition, it can feel like you’re losing your connection to the world around you.

At Reid Health, we believe your voice matters, even if you aren’t using your vocal cords to share it. If you’re in East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio, our speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provide dedicated support to help you find new ways to connect. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to the specialized tools and strategies we use to help you communicate effectively.

Finding the right fit

Because every person has different needs, our speech pathology program focuses on personalized solutions. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, our SLPs work with you one-on-one for:

• Trial diverse tools: Our therapists guide you through trials of different AAC options, ranging from simple picture boards to “high-tech” eye-tracking software.
• Customized evaluations: We assess your physical and cognitive needs to determine which device or strategy will be the most intuitive for your daily life.
• Dedicated training: Once a tool is selected, our specialists provide hands-on training for both you and your caregivers.

What is augmented and alternative communication?

AAC includes a wide range of methods used to help people communicate when they cannot rely on speech alone. “Augmentative” means the system is used to supplement the speech you already have, making your message clearer or easier for others to understand. “Alternative” means the system is used as a replacement when you’re unable to speak.

There are two main categories of AAC:

Unaided AAC

These systems rely entirely on your body to convey meaning and do not require any external tools or battery power. They’re often the fastest way to communicate in an immediate situation. Examples include:

• Body language and facial expressions
• Gestures and pointing
• Sign language

Aided AAC

This refers to systems that use an external tool to help you share your message. These tools range from "low-tech" paper solutions to “high-tech” digital devices:

• Paper-based tools: This includes letter boards where you spell out words, or “communication books” filled with pictures and symbols.
• Speech-generating devices (SGDs): These are dedicated tablet-like devices or specialized software on a computer.
• Eye-gaze technology: If you have limited hand movement, advanced cameras can track where you're looking on a screen. 

Starting your AAC journey 

Getting started with augmentative and alternative communication at Reid Health is a collaborative process that begins with a physician’s referral. This step is essential to ensure the evaluation is medically documented for insurance purposes and fully integrated into your overall treatment plan. Once a referral is in place, a speech-language pathologist conducts a comprehensive clinical evaluation. This session is used to identify the most effective communication tools by assessing your physical abilities, vision, and cognitive needs. From there, the specialist guides you through a trial period, providing hands-on time with different devices to ensure the chosen technology feels natural and effective before a final selection is made.

A focus on communication partners

Because communication is a two-way street, the success of an AAC program depends heavily on a strong support system. Our speech-language pathology team provides dedicated training for family members and caregivers to ensure they become confident communication partners. These sessions go beyond the technical aspects of equipment maintenance; they focus on practical strategies to encourage device use in daily routines. Specialists teach caregivers how to recognize unaided cues, such as specific gestures or eye movements, and how to provide the necessary wait time to allow you to formulate a message. By involving the entire family in the process, we ensure that residents throughout East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio can maintain meaningful, lasting connections with their loved ones.

What to expect during your AAC experience 

Finding the right device is a journey, and we’re with you every step of the way. When you visit us for an AAC evaluation, here is what you can expect:

The evaluation

A licensed speech-language pathologist works with you to understand your physical abilities, vision, and communication goals. We don’t just look at the tech; we look at where you live and who you talk to. This helps us narrow down which AAC devices might be the best fit.

The trial period

Insurance companies typically require a trial period, where you use a specific device for a few weeks to prove it works for you. We help facilitate these trials, providing training for both you and your caregivers. This ensures that by the time you receive your permanent device, you feel confident and ready to use it.

Ongoing training

A device is only as good as your ability to use it. We provide follow-up sessions to help you customize your screens, learn shortcuts, and integrate the device into your daily routine.

Common questions about AAC

Will insurance pay for an AAC device? 

In many cases, yes. Some insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, may cover speech-generating devices when they’re deemed medically necessary. Our team helps gather the required documentation and evaluations to submit to your insurance company.

What are the requirements for AAC? 

The only real requirement is a desire to communicate! No prerequisite skills are needed to try AAC. We can adapt these systems for almost any level of physical or cognitive ability.

Does using AAC mean I will stop trying to talk? 

Actually, research shows the opposite! Using AAC often reduces the stress of communicating, which can actually help support and even improve your natural speech efforts over time.