Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies
are used by people to describe the way people supplement
their communication when they can not speak clearly enough
to be understood by those around them. These strategies
include a wide range of communication methods ranging from
gestures and communication boards to assistive communication
devices. The basic premise of AAC is:
"That a person communicates is much more important than
how s/he communicates"
Is there a need for Augmentative & Alternative
Communication Intervention in South Africa?
Internationally it is estimated that 1,5-2% of the
general school population is in need of AAC services. In
addition, it is known that approximately 20% of all people
with little or no functional speech is cognitively within
normal limits.
In South Africa the prevalence of little or no functional
speech (LNFS) seems much higher than in other Western
countries: A study within the greater Pretoria, for example,
showed that 39% of all children in schools for children with
severe disabilities could be regarded as having LNFS.
What is it like to have a severe communication disorder?
These quotes illustrate the drastic effects that the
inability to communicate can have on an individuals life.
"I know what it is like to be fed potatoes all my life.
After all, potatoes are such good basic food for
everyday, easy to fix in many different ways. I hate
potatoes! But then, who knew that but me? I know what it
is like to be dressed in reds and blues when my
favourite colours are mint greens, lemon yellows, and
pinks. I mean can you really imagine?"
Sara Brothers (1991, p.59)
"If you want to know what it is like to be unable to
speak, there is a way. Go to a party and don't talk.
Play mute. Use your hands if you wish but don't use
paper and pencil. Paper and pencil are not always handy
for a mute person. Here is what you will find: people
talking; talking behind, beside, around, over under and
through, and even for you. But never with you. You are
ignored until finally you feel like a piece of
furniture."
Rick Creech
(Musselwhite & St Louis, 1988, p104)
Who can benefit from Augmentative or Alternative
Communication?
- Anyone who is not able to communicate effectively
using speech (Non Verbal)
- People with intellectual disabilities
- Anyone who has some speech but requires an
augmentative device for purposes of writing or carrying
on long conversations.
Those who would benefit from AAC include:
- People who are physically disabled
- People with autistic tendencies
- People with developmental delays
- People with dual sensory impairments e.g vision and
hearing
Why use Augmentative or Alternative forms of
Communication?
To give every individual ways to express needs and wants,
to share their feelings, thoughts and ideas to those with
whom they interact.
What are some of the facts about Augmentative &
Alternative Communication?
AAC communication is a multi–disciplinary field and
involves the user, parents as well professionals who they
are working with e.g. speech therapy, occupational therapy
or physiotherapy.
Assessment should be ongoing to reevaluate and monitor
the specific needs of the individual client.
The use of augmentative or alternative communication is
multimodal in that no one system will be adequate for all
communication needs in all settings/environments.
In order for intervention to be effective it should be a
collaborative effort with the client and all those with whom
s/he interacts.
