Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC)
Overview
Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) is an area of clinical practice that addresses the needs of individuals with significant and complex communication disorders characterized by impairments in speech-language production and comprehension, including spoken and written modes of communication.
Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) describes multiple ways to communicate that can supplement or compensate (either temporarily or permanently) for impairments in speech-language production and/or comprehension, including spoken and written modes of communication. AAC is augmentative when used to supplement existing speech, and alternative when used in place of speech that is absent or not functional.
AAC uses a variety of techniques and tools, including picture communication boards, line drawings, speech-generating devices (SGDs), tangible objects, manual signs, gestures, and finger spelling, to help the individual express thoughts, wants and needs, feelings, and ideas.
More information can also be found at: https://www.openaccess-ca.org/what-is-aac
Videos
AAC and Core Vocabulary
This session focuses on AAC and Shared Reading with Core Vocabulary. Viewers will develop the ability to identify effective shared reading strategies and implement opportunities for shared reading using AAC within their practice. Resources will also be provided to support lesson planning and instructional design.
AAC in Elementary/Middle School
This session covers Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) in Elementary and Middle School and provides information on supporting communication for complex learners in the classroom setting.
AAC in High School and Transition
This session covers the topic of Augmentative Alternative Communication in High School and Transition. Topics include fostering independence in students by supporting autonomy and self-direction, building routines that support the development of essential life skills to ensure students are prepared for real-world situations, and discussing important considerations for supporting students before they age out of the school system, emphasizing thoughtful planning and transitions.
AAC in PreK
This session covers the topic of Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) in preschool settings.
Printable Tools
What is AAC: An Overview
The Big AAC Picture Flipbook is an educational visual resource that explains Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) as a multimodal system that includes gestures, eye gaze, vocalizations, tools, symbols, and partner-supported strategies working together to support communication. It emphasizes that AAC is not a single device, but a coordinated system designed to give individuals access to meaningful interaction, participation, and influence in their environment. The flipbook highlights how communication partners use strategies such as modeling, aided language stimulation, and choice-making, while tools and symbols provide multiple ...
Resource Lists
AAC Collaborative Teaming Tools
These resources are part of the Open Access AAC Supports collection, a free set of team-based planning tools designed to help educators, therapists, and families coordinate Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) supports so students with complex communication needs can participate fully in learning and daily interactions. Developed through California’s Statewide System of Support, the materials emphasize collaborative roles, communication access planning, and consistent implementation across settings to improve outcomes for students who rely on AAC.
AAC Implementation Resources
These resources are part of the Open Access AAC Supports collection — a free, California-developed toolkit designed to help educators, therapists, and families assess communication needs, select appropriate AAC tools, plan vocabulary and participation supports, and teach functional communication skills so students with complex communication needs can access learning and social interactions.
Aided Language Supports
These Aided Language Supports are visual communication tools designed to increase access, participation, and expressive language for individuals with complex communication needs across everyday routines, instruction, and play. They include core vocabulary boards, activity-specific communication boards, flipbooks, and script supports that provide consistent, high-frequency language paired with context-specific words to help learners request, comment, follow directions, and engage socially. By combining core words with meaningful activities (e.g., play, cooking, art, routines), these supports promote functional communication, language development, and independence while reducing cognitive load and ...
Websites
AAC Resource Flipkit
The AAC tools within the AAC FlipKit are a specially curated collection of supports that align with specific user levels (a framework borrowed from Marilyn Buzolich, Ph.D, CCC-SLP). These user levels are designed to help teams determine the level of technology a student may need and/or require at any given point in time. The levels help guide the team in understanding where the student is headed in order to prepare students to successfully move towards more complex systems.