What Is AAC?
What is AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)? Who needs AAC? Why is AAC important? Any communication method beyond verbal speech can be AAC. Everyone deserves a voice!
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Articles about AAC and communication resources
Invitation: Parents of Minimally Verbal Children (Ages 3–7) for a Shared Reading Study
Inviting parents of minimally verbal or non-verbal children ages 3–7 to participate in a research study exploring how shared book reading can support communication development.
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AAC & Shared Book Reading
The heart of shared book reading is using stories as a bridge for adults and children to interact and communicate, encouraging children to actively participate in storytelling. The video demonstrates modeling AAC vocabulary during shared reading so that children without speech can participate and express themselves.
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High-Tech AAC App: TD Snap
TD Snap is a high-tech AAC app with a robust language system that includes built-in core and fringe vocabulary in Chinese — ideal for children who need AAC.
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TouchChat WordPower 60
Recommending another Chinese AAC app with a robust language system: TouchChat WordPower 60 from PRC Saltillo now has a Chinese version! It is in Simplified Chinese, but words can be manually changed to Traditional Chinese.
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Mandarin AAC Handouts
These AAC handouts cover: Types of AAC, How to begin with AAC, Aided language stimulation (modeling), and What does modeling look like? Available for free download in Mandarin Chinese.
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Speech Therapy Podcast EP02 — AAC Communication Devices
Speech-language pathologists Wen-Hsin and Hsiao-Ting share clinical stories about using AAC. They believe every child has the potential to learn to communicate. They hope this episode helps more people understand AAC and support children in finding their voice.
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How to Apply for an AAC Device in Taiwan
How to apply for an AAC device in Taiwan? This guide covers the full process: obtaining a disability certificate, getting an evaluation report, submitting your application, purchasing the device, and receiving reimbursement.
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AAC Vendors in Taiwan
A comprehensive list of AAC vendors in Taiwan organized by device category, based on Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare assistive device subsidy guidelines. Links are continuously updated.
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AAC Core Word Board
For every non-verbal or minimally verbal child I work with, I bring out this laminated core vocabulary board. I talk while pointing to the vocabulary, letting the child see language and providing an alternative communication channel.
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AAC in Practice: A Clinical Sharing
A young client learned to communicate with AAC incredibly quickly — I want to share this story! AAC doesn't have to start with PECS. Every child is different and there are many ways to communicate. Modeling AAC in context (aided language input) is key.
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AAC for Aphasia: Thinking About Communication Through a Social Lens
A patient suffered an ICH stroke resulting in right hemiplegia and aphasia, with verbal expression unable to meet daily communication needs. The SLP used AAC intervention, thinking from a social perspective about how to help the patient interact and build relationships.
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Communication Boards for Tracheostomy & Ventilator Patients
If your patient or family member is intubated and on a ventilator, they may be fully conscious but unable to speak. Here's an affordable and practical AAC solution: communication boards.
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Father's Day AAC Activities
Father's Day AAC activities: Use AAC to say 'Dad, I love you!' Read picture books together. Make a Father's Day card. Let children use AAC to participate in every part of the celebration!
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AAC Assessment: The Communication Matrix
The Communication Matrix is an excellent tool for assessing beginning communicators who are non-verbal or minimally verbal. It provides a clear picture of an individual's developmental abilities across different communication functions.
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AAC — They Want to Be Seen and Valued, Just Like Us
We visited a developmental center and did creative art with the residents, using AAC communication boards so that non-verbal or minimally verbal individuals could participate and share their thoughts. It's not that they can't — it's that we haven't taught them. Everyone wants to be seen and valued.
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AAC Modeling Demo: Wind-Up Toys
Using a child's favorite wind-up toys to demonstrate how to model AAC core vocabulary during play — including how to model, how to prompt, and how to respond to the child.
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AAC Core Vocabulary
Research shows that 80% of what we say is made up of just 200–300 words — we call these core vocabulary. Why use core vocabulary in AAC? It enables multiple communication functions and allows communication anytime, anywhere.
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Designing AAC Communication Board Pages
Many people ask me how to design AAC communication board pages, so I recorded this video to demonstrate. No matter what app you use, remember to: use core vocabulary, start with the maximum grid size the child can access, and include multiple communication functions.
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Mother's Day AAC Activities
Mother's Day calls for AAC too! Core words for Mother's Day: mom, I, love, you, thank you, help. The power of core vocabulary is that just a few words can be combined into so many messages!
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