Need help with Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)??

We provide holistic support for children, adolescence & adults with Complex speech, language or social Communication Needs (CCN) requiring AAC systems and ongoing intervention.

 

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is an area of clinical practice that addresses the needs of individuals with significant and complex communication disorders characterised by impairments in speech-language production and/or comprehension, including spoken and written modes of communication.

 

We support clients to communicate using a variety of AAC techniques and tools, including picture communication boards, symbols, iPads with various communication apps and vocabularies, many speech-generating devices (SGDs), systems with eye-gaze technology, PODD books, tangible objects, manual Key Concept signs, gestures.  We provide hands on support and programming to improve understanding and expressing of thoughts, wants and needs, feelings, and ideas.

 

At Allied Learning Place we specialise in supporting people to trial, purchase and implement various communication systems.  We have thorough knowledge and experience relating to many AAC systems and will source advice/support if required to ensure your receive a quality service.

 

By working through a comprehensive assessment and goal based AAC Intervention process, our clients with CCN and their allies are assured to confidently extend their AAC communication at home and in the community.

Here are some signs that your child/person has difficulty using current methods of communication and would likely benefit from AAC system support:

  • Speech is the primary form of communication but unfamiliar listeners cannot understand what they are saying
  • Frustration is often evident because it’s too difficult to say what they want to say
  • Person is using a PODD book but finds it tedious to rely on a partner assisted system
  • Person is excellent at spelling but has very unclear speech
  • Person finds it difficult to stay on task and follow directions
  • Person has a device or app on their iPad but they are not using it
  • AAC user allies are not trained in using the AAC system and find it difficult to communicate with the person
Speech Pathology Australia AAC Fact Sheet

  • What's involved?

    • AAC Assessment Phase
    • AAC Development/Acquisition Phase
    • AAC Implementation Phase