Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes tools like gestures, symbols, and devices that help people express themselves when speech is limited, ensuring their messages are understood.

What is AAC?

AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is a set of tools and strategies that an individual uses to solve everyday communicative challenges. Communication can take many forms such as: speech, a shared glance, text, gestures, facial expressions, touch, sign language, symbols, pictures, speech-generating devices, etc. Everyone uses multiple forms of communication, based upon the context and our communication partner.

Effective communication occurs when the intent and meaning of one individual is understood by another person. The form is less important than the successful understanding of the message.
Credit to Linda Burkhart for text, https://www.isaac-online.org/english/what-is-aac/

Conclusion

AAC Awareness Month is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate and promote understanding of the many ways people communicate. Augmentative and Alternative Communication empowers individuals of all ages and abilities to express themselves fully—whether through gestures, symbols, devices, or other tools. What matters most isn’t how someone communicates, but that their message is heard and understood.

At New Horizons Wellness Services, we are dedicated to supporting communication in all its forms. Our Pediatric Occupational Therapy services help children develop the motor and sensory skills needed to access and use AAC tools effectively. Through Counseling Services, we support individuals and families navigating communication challenges, helping them build confidence and emotional resilience. For adults, our Occupational Therapy for Adults focuses on strengthening the daily living and communication strategies necessary for independence and connection. Our Social Skills Group programs also provide opportunities for children to practice communication in supportive peer settings, enhancing both verbal and nonverbal interaction.

By raising awareness about AAC, we help create more inclusive environments where diverse communication needs are respected and supported. Whether you’re a parent, educator, caregiver, or professional, taking the time to learn about AAC is a powerful step toward building a world where everyone has a voice.

Let’s use this October to recognize the value of all communication methods and to support individuals in finding the tools and strategies that allow them to connect, express, and thrive. Contact us now to learn how our team at New Horizons Wellness Services can support you or your loved one on their communication journey.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can benefit from AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)?

AAC is beneficial for individuals of all ages who experience difficulty with spoken communication. This includes children with developmental delays, individuals with autism, people recovering from strokes or brain injuries, and those with neurological conditions that impact speech. AAC provides alternative ways to express needs, thoughts, and emotions when verbal communication is limited or unavailable.

How can families and caregivers support a loved one using AAC?

Families can support AAC users by learning how the communication system works, using it consistently in daily routines, and encouraging all forms of expression—gestures, signs, symbols, or devices. Involving professionals like speech therapists or occupational therapists can also help in tailoring the AAC system to meet the individual’s unique needs. At New Horizons Wellness Services, we offer pediatric occupational therapy and counseling services to support both AAC users and their families.

Is AAC only used as a permanent communication method?

Not necessarily. AAC can be either a long-term solution or a temporary aid. Some individuals use AAC to support communication development while they work on improving verbal skills, while others may rely on AAC as their primary method of communication. What matters most is ensuring the individual has a reliable and effective way to be understood and to participate meaningfully in everyday life.