Course Content:
Introduction to Augmentative Alternative Communication
o Purpose of Augmentative Alternative Communication o AAC Goal,
o People who use AAC o Things to consider while selecting AAC,
o People who can benefit from AAC, o When to begin AAC
AAC Devices & Ethical Perspective:
o AAC Devices & Demographics,
o AAC Selection,
o Types of Technology Systems in AAC Devices,
o DynaVox V+, Vmax+, and Xpress,
o InterAACt™ Language Framework,
o Cyrano,
o Tango,
o Voice Morphing™ Technology,
o BIGmack & LITTLEmack,
o GoTalk 20+,
o Tech/Talk,
o Funding Sources,
o Islamic & Professional Ethical Perspectives of AAC device selection
Goal of AAC & Language Representation Methods in AAC System
o Achieving AAC Goal,
o Maximizing Spontaneous Novel Utterance Generation (SNUG),
o Determining Outcomes,
o Unity Language System,
o EssenceTM & people who use Essence
Symbolic Communication & Iconicity
o Types of Symbolic Communication,
o Factors for selecting Non-speech Symbol System,
o Iconicity & Iconicity Continuum,
o Symbol-based Forms of Communication,
o Obstacle when Using Aided-AAC,
o Increasing the Use & Ease of Use of AAC Systems,
o Generalization of AAC-Supported Communication Skills,
o Effective Instructional Strategies for Generalization of Skills
Defining Types of Communicators as per Levels of Communication and Language Stages
o Emerging Level Communicators with its characteristics and limitation,
o Context Dependent Level Communicators with its characteristics and limitation,
o Independent Level Communicators with its characteristics and limitations,
o Awareness Level and its objectives, o Pre-symbolic Level and its objectives,
o Early Symbolic Level and its objectives, o Symbolic Level and its objectives,
o Basic Level, o Language Stages, o AAC Language Lab Stages Chart,
o Role of Language Stages
Human/Technology Interface for Aided Symbolic Communication
o No Tech AAC System (Behaviors, Facial Expressions, Leading, Vocalization & Verbalization, Gestures, Sign Language, Indicating or Choice Making, Eye Gaze),
o Human/Technology Interface (Control Interface, Selection Set, Selection Method),
o Object Symbols, o Graphic Symbols,
o Communication Books or Boards,
o Written Choice Technique,
o Spelling or Word System, o Symbol-based Eye Gaze,
o Access Method for Low Tech
Methods of Displaying Language & Symbolic Message Storage in AAC Devices
o Methods of Displaying Language in AAC Devices,
o Digitized & Synthesized Speech Output,
o Methods of Storing & Retrieving Language,
o Rate Enhancement, o Methods of Enhancing Rate,
o Encoding Strategies Methods of Symbolic Message Retrieval in AAC Devices
o Methods of Displaying Language in AAC Devices,
o Digitized & Synthesized Speech Output,
o Methods of Storing & Retrieving Language,
o Rate Enhancement,
o Methods of Enhancing Rate,
o Encoding Strategies
AAC Assessment
o AAC assessment team
o Four-step Process for Evaluation,
o AAC Skill Inventory,
o Severity Rating Scale: Functional Communication Measure (FCM) for AAC Comprehension & Production,
o AAC Profile,
o AAC Periodic Table, o Communicator Profile
o Communication Matrix,
o App Feature Matching Checklist
AAC in different Context/Setting
o Schools and Community,
o AAC Practice Guidelines for Speech Therapists who support patients with disability,
o Supporting people who use AAC in Home-School-Community
o Student Environment Tasks Tool (SETT) framework,
o Participation Model of AAC
o Therapeutic goals,
o Language acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP)
Evidence Based Practice in AAC
o Putting Research into Practice
o Myths and facts
AAC for Therapy & Beyond
o Debunking Myths and Driving Sessions,
o Beyond the Basics of Teletherapy
Functional Communication, Storytelling, and Identity
o Incorporating LPAA Goals to Take AAC to the Next Level
Learning Outcomes:
On the completion of this course, the students will be able to:
Illustrate their understanding of symbolic communication using AAC strategies and devices.
Investigate the types of symbols and display of symbols on overlays of different devices and in software.
Analyze the assessment process, as well as the AAC needs of individuals with developmental and acquired disabilities across the age continuum. Demonstrate clinical decision-making skill regarding assessments required for selection of AAC strategies and devices.
Demonstrate hands-on experience with various strategies and devices of AAC for a clearer understanding of AAC intervention.
Understand the impact of ethical and professional issues on the assessment and treatment of individuals with AAC needs
Apr 23, 2025
Augmentative & Alternative Communication by 
Human Communication Disorders by 
Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Acute Care Settings by 
Augmentative and Alternative Communication by 
Augmentative and Alternative Communication by 
Augmentative Communication Strategies for Adults with Acute or Chronic Medical Conditions by