When people hear the term AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), they often just think of a speech-generating device or an app that they can use on their phone or iPad.  We are even asked if a device can “talk for a person who has aphasia”.  

While technology can be incredibly helpful, it’s only one small part of the picture.

For people living with aphasia, AAC is not just a device. It’s a way of communicating, made up of different supports that help someone express themselves, connect with others, and participate in everyday life.  

What AAC Really Means

AAC includes any tool or strategy that helps someone communicate.

That might include:

• Gestures 
• Writing or drawing 
• Communication books, notebooks, or binders
• Photos or visual supports 
• Key words or scripts 
• Apps or speech-generating devices (including the smart phone you already have!)

Some are high-tech. Many are not (these are sometimes called “low-tech”). 

What matters most is not the tool itself. It’s how it helps the person communicate in real life and in real situations. 

Why AAC Matters in Aphasia

Aphasia affects language—but it does not affect intelligence.

Many people with aphasia know exactly what they want to say. The challenge is finding the words and getting them out. Others experience difficulty understanding spoken or written language, but are aided by “voice” accompaniment or other tools. 

AAC helps bridge that gap. With training and use of strategies, AAC can be the missing piece to help someone get the words out.

It supports:

• Conversations with family and friends 
• Participation in healthcare decisions 
• Independence in daily activities 
• Connection, identity, and self-expression 

At its core, AAC is about being heard and understood.

AAC Is Not One Thing – It’s a System

One of the biggest misconceptions is that AAC is a single solution.  In reality, AAC is best thought of as a system of supports.

Different situations call for different tools:

• At home → gestures, shared routines, familiar cues 
• At a doctor’s appointment → written keywords, visuals, or prepared questions 
• On the phone → pre-written phrases or text-based communication 

What works in one setting may not work in another—and that’s okay.

AAC should be flexible and adaptable, just like communication itself.

Personalization Is Everything

There is no “right” AAC system and many high-tech options (i.e. devices) can be complicated and/or costly.  The most effective supports are individualized, practical and meaningful to the person using them. We recommend you work with your speech pathologist to determine what communication supports work best for the person with aphasia and in what situations.

AAC should reflect:

• The person’s communication style 
• Their daily routines 
• Their goals and preferences 
• Their environment 

The goal is not to fit the person to the system. It’s to find a system that fits the person’s life.

 Communication Is a Shared Responsibility

AAC doesn’t just depend on the person with aphasia. It also depends on the people around them.

Communication partners (family, caregivers, professionals) play an important role by:

• Giving time and space 
• Using supports together 
• Staying engaged and patient 

When everyone is part of the process, communication becomes more successful and meaningful.

 AAC Is Always Evolving

The field of AAC continues to grow.

New tools are being developed every day, including:

• Mobile apps 
• Visual communication platforms 
• AI-supported tools that assist with word finding, writing, and conversation 

These innovations are exciting, but the most important question remains: What will help the person communicate in their daily life?

Let’s see how AAC is used in real life situations

Joanie loves to connect with her grandchildren, but her Broca’s aphasia and apraxia of speech often make it hard to say what she wants during phone calls or visits.

Her family created a simple binder with a page for each grandchild. Each page includes key words, names, and a few “starter” phrases.

When Joanie talks with them, she opens to the right page and uses those prompts to guide the conversation.

A simple, personalized, low-tech solution that helps her stay connected.

That’s AAC.

 

Tonella recently returned to work but finds writing emails challenging.

She now uses a combination of tools:

• voice-to-text to get her ideas down 
• an AI writing assistant to help organize and refine her message 
• saved email templates for common responses 

With these supports, Tonella is able to communicate clearly and confidently with her colleagues.

A blend of high-tech tools supporting real-world participation.

That’s AAC.

 

Marcus enjoys going out to restaurants but sometimes struggles to express his order or ask questions.

He keeps a small communication notebook with:

• common food items 
• yes/no options 
• space to point or write key words 

He also uses photos on his phone to show what he means when needed. Sometimes he pulls up the menu on his phone before even going to the restaurant so he’s ready when he arrives!

Multiple simple tools working together in the moment.

That’s AAC.

 

Elena participates in a weekly aphasia group and loves sharing her thoughts, but word-finding can be frustrating.

She uses a tablet-based communication app that includes:

• photos of her family and daily life 
• key phrases she uses often 
• visual supports to help tell stories 

She also uses gestures and drawing when needed. A mix of high-tech and personal strategies that support expression.

That’s AAC.

AAC doesn’t look the same for everyone—and it doesn’t have to.
What matters is that it works for the person, in their life.

Common Misunderstandings

Before we wrap up today’s post, let’s clear up a few misconceptions about AAC:

• AAC is not only for people who cannot speak 
• AAC is not just a device 
• AAC does not replace speech 
• AAC is not a one-time solution 
• AAC does not slow improvement

AAC supports communication; it doesn’t limit it.

Getting Started with AAC

If you or someone you care for is exploring AAC:

• Start simple 
• Try different approaches 
• Focus on what works in everyday situations 
• Work with a speech-language pathologist
• Check out the resources on our website, some of which are linked below!

Explore More

• Share how you use Communication Supports in your daily life on our NAA Community Hub on Facebook
• Explore resources that highlight practical strategies for everyday life on “Living Day to Day with Aphasia”
• Check out this “Ask the Expert” webinar: AI and Aphasia
• Browse resources in our “Tools and Technology” library
• Participate in our monthly interactive program “Technology and Supports for Aphasia”