Augmentative and Alternative Communication

AAC is an important clinical intervention for many people with MND.

What is AAC?

The term covers a wide range of techniques and communication aids that support or replace spoken and/or written communication

It is commonly used to refer to electronic aids and products, but equally it includes simple, non-electronic options. Low tech options include pen and paper, gesture, signing, symbols, communication charts and letter, word or picture boards or books. High tech examples include voice output communication aids (VOCA) and specialist soft and hardware on mainstream computers.

Both have benefits for those with MND. People may use both systems, depending on their situation, and low tech systems are a useful back up in case technology fails.

Benefits of AAC

• it can support communication and interaction with family, friends and professionals when speech intelligibility is reduced
• it can promote psychological and emotional wellbeing
• it can help maintain autonomy and control over decision-making
• it can enable ongoing access to electronic communication, like social media and email

Challenges of AAC

• composing words, sentences and messages through an AAC system is almost always slower than natural speech production. This can be a physical and emotional challenge for people with MND and those they’re communicating with
• as physical symptoms change, the need for equipment changes too. Therefore, ongoing monitoring and assessments are needed
• securing funding can be problematic, especially if needs change rapidly