Giving a voice to individuals with apraxia of speech
Speech Apraxia International – Raising Awareness and Providing Support for Apraxia of Speech Speech and Language Services
Our Approach
Services for Children
Services for Children
Individuals with speech apraxia may temporarily or permanently benefit from AAC.
Print your own AAC boards
Free downloadable AAC resources
- Ace Centre resources – https://acecentre.org.uk/resources
- Smartbox paper-based Super Core boards – https://thinksmartbox.com/resources/paper-based-super-core
- Total Communication resources https://www.totalcommunication.org/
- Global Symbols
- https://onetalker.org
- Get PiCom – Home
Free AAC Apps
- Weave Chat AAC Full AAC app
AAC assessments
Resource center - Tobii Dynavox Global
DAGG-3 (Dynamic AAC Goals Grid) resource
AAC Companies
- Tobii Dynavox
https://www.tobiidynavox.com - Smartbox
https://thinksmartbox.com - CoughDrop
https://www.coughdrop.com - Proloquo
https://www.assistiveware.com
Useful websites
Stepping into AAC Home : PrAACtical AAC
Switch Access Resources
Switch Heroes – Jiao
A collection of free, switch-accessible games designed to help children develop cause-and-effect understanding, scanning, timing, and switch-use skills in a fun and motivating way.
iClick: Mains Controller for iPad
A wireless switch interface that allows one or two external switches to control compatible iPad and iPhone apps, making tablets more accessible for individuals with physical disabilities.
AAC Gameplay
A website offering reviews, recommendations, and ideas for accessible games that support AAC users, switch users, and individuals developing communication and access skills.
An online library of accessible activities, games, and learning resources designed for children with a wide range of learning disabilities and complex communication needs.
Provides hundreds of ready-made interactive learning activities covering early communication, literacy, numeracy, and cause-and-effect learning, many of which are compatible with switches and eye gaze.
Smooth Talker with Levels – Pretorian Technologies
Smooth Talker with Levels - Pretorian Technologies
A multi-level voice output communication aid that allows users to record and play back messages across multiple recording levels, supporting communication, choice making, and classroom participation.
Types of AAC
AAC ranges from simple, unaided communication methods to sophisticated speech-generating devices.
Unaided AAC
Gestures and Body Language
Natural gestures, facial expressions and body movements used to communicate. These may develop naturally or need to be taught.
Sign Language
A formal signing system where both the individual and communication partners use signs to communicate.
Low-Tech AAC
Object Symbols
Real objects or miniature objects attached to cards or boards. Particularly helpful for individuals with visual impairments or significant cognitive difficulties.
Picture Boards
Boards containing photographs, symbols or pictures that the individual points to in order to communicate.
Picture Exchange
The individual hands a picture or symbol to a communication partner to express a request, choice or message.
Written Communication
Writing or typing messages using paper, whiteboards, computers or mobile devices.
High-Tech AAC
Single-Button Voice Output Devices
A device with one button that plays a pre-recorded message when pressed.
Multi-Button Voice Output Devices
Devices with several buttons, each representing a different word, phrase or message.
Dynamic Display Speech-Generating Devices
Touchscreen devices where selecting a symbol speaks the message aloud and may open additional pages of vocabulary. These devices provide access to extensive language and can support communication across many situations.
Language Assistance
Supports to facilitate access to meaningful communication include:
- Interpreters – Convert spoken or signed language from one language to another.
- Translators – Translate written information into another language.
- Transliterators – Convert information between different forms of the same language or communication system (e.g. spoken English to Signed English).
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) – Communication aids such as communication books, symbol boards, speech-generating devices, or communication apps.
- Bilingual clinicians or service providers – Professionals who can provide assessment or intervention in the person's preferred language.
- Captions and subtitles – Written text displayed alongside spoken information in videos or presentations.
- Visual supports – Pictures, symbols, photographs, written words, schedules, or diagrams that support understanding.
- Tactile supports – Objects, raised symbols, Braille, or tactile cues used to support communication for people with visual impairments or dual sensory loss. When selecting an AAC system, consider:
- Access method – Can the person point, touch, use eye gaze or switches?
- Vocabulary organisation – Grid layouts or visual scene displays with photographs?
- Portability – Can it be used across home, school, work and the community?
- Funding – Dedicated speech-generating devices and tablet apps may have different funding or insurance options.
- Trial first – Most clinicians recommend trialling different systems before making a long-term decision.
Do
- Model words while speaking.
- Use AAC during everyday routines.
- Keep interactions meaningful and enjoyable.
- Provide frequent opportunities to use AAC.
- Celebrate all forms of communication.
Don't
- Quiz people on where words are located.
- Restrict AAC to therapy sessions.
- Use AAC only for requesting.
- Expect immediate independent use.
- Put the device away between activities.
Services for Children
Services for Children
Services for Children
When selecting an AAC system, consider:
- Access method – Can the person point, touch, use eye gaze or switches?
- Vocabulary organisation – Grid layouts or visual scene displays with photographs?
- Portability – Can it be used across home, school, work and the community?
- Funding – Dedicated speech-generating devices and tablet apps may have different funding or insurance options.
- Trial first – Most clinicians recommend trialling different systems before making a long-term decision.
Do
- Model words while speaking.
- Use AAC during everyday routines.
- Keep interactions meaningful and enjoyable.
- Provide frequent opportunities to use AAC.
- Celebrate all forms of communication.
Don't
- Quiz people on where words are located.
- Restrict AAC to therapy sessions.
- Use AAC only for requesting.
- Expect immediate independent use.
- Put the device away between activities.
AAC Language Library
A library of AAC resources catalogued by language
AAC Language Library | Ace Centre
Services for Adults
Services for Children
Services for Adults
Stepping into AAC - Angelman Syndrome Foundation
Great podcast discussing using gestures along with AAC
S7 E7: Early Intervention Featuring Erin Sheldon | Awe and Wonder Podcast: AAC & AT
Our Team
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Services for Adults
Our team of licensed and certified speech-language pathologists has extensive experience and training in the field of speech and language therapy. We are committed to providing compassionate and effective care to our clients.
FAQs
Contact Us
Contact Us
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help our clients better understand our services and what to expect during therapy.
Contact Us
Contact Us
Contact Us
troduce Core Vocabulary
- Start with common everyday words.
- Focus on high-frequency, flexible vocabulary.
- Build simple word combinations into phrases.
- Add topic-specific vocabulary later.
Model AAC
- Point to words while speaking.
- Model AAC throughout the day.
- Comment as well as request.
- Use AAC naturally during everyday interactions.
- Expect learning through observation.
Make AAC Accessible
- Keep the device within reach.
- Use AAC during meals, play, school and community activities.
- Encourage everyone to model AAC.
- Ensure family members, teachers and carers understand the basics.
Set Realistic Expectations
- Progress takes time.
- Plateaus are normal.
- Single words usually develop before phrases.
- Don't compare AAC progress with spoken language development.
- Consistent modelling is essential..