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AAC Terms

(Lloyd, Fuller, Arvidson, 1997)

Aided - A term used to refer to communication symbols, strategies, or techniques that use something external to the body to represent, select, or transmit messages.

Aided Communication - Communication that uses aided symbols and some type of external aid or assistive communication device.

Aided Communication Techniques - Communication techniques that use some type of external aid or assistive communication device.

Aided Symbol - A symbol that requires an external aid or assistive communication device to display and transmit (picture, synthetic speech).

Alternative Communication - A communication approach that is a substitute for (or alternative to) natural speech and/or writing.

Alternative Input Devices - Devices that enable access to technology through alternatives to direct selection ( single or multiple switches, expanded keyboards).

Assistive Communication Device - Any electronic or nonelectronic device that assists an individual in communication.

Assistive Technology - Any technology used to enable individuals to perform tasks tat are difficult or impossible due to disabilities.

Assistive Technology Device - Any piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially of the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of the individuals with disabilities

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) - The supplementation or replacement of natural speech and/or writing using aided and/or unaided symbols. Blissymbols, pictographs, Sigsymbols, tangible symbols, and electronically produced speech are examples of aided symbols. Manual signs, gestures, and fingerspelling are examples of unaided symbols. The use of aided symbols requires a transmission device, whereas the use of unaided symbols requires only the body.

AAC System - An integrated network of aided and unaided means to represent (symbols), select, and transmit;and the strategies, techniques, skills,a nd devices that an individual uses to communicate. A system involves the integrated use of many components for communication; aka communication system.

Communication System - The integrated network of techniques, aids, strategies, and skills that a person uses to communicate. For example, an individual system would be comprised of an integrated set of components, including facial and manual gestures, speech and other vocalizations, conversation and writing aides, as well as specific strategies and skills for using these various modes successfully in a variety of communication contexts. An aid is not a communication system, but rather one component of an individual's electronic communication overall system.

Dedicated Communication Device - A device specifically designed to be used for communication but that may also interface to a computer, printer, and an environmental control unit.

Nondedicated AAC Systems* - Devices not specifically designed for communication that can be adapted to functiona AAC devices (computers).

Nonoral (nonvocal) - Literally, without speech, voice, or oral production.

Nonverbal - Without language.

Voice Output Communication Aid (VOCA) - An assistive communication device that features electronically produced voice/speech.

* Glennen & DeCoste, 1997