Getting Started With AAC After An ALS Diagnosis

If you've recently been diagnosed with ALS, you may be learning new terms and exploring options you never expected to consider. One of those options may be augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), even if it is not a need you have today.

AAC includes a mix of high-tech and lite-tech tools and strategies that can help you communicate if speaking becomes difficult. While it may feel early to think about communication support, many people with ALS find that learning about AAC and before it's needed gives them more choices, more confidence, and more time to discover what works best for them.

What is AAC?

Why Start Early with AAC

AAC is most successful when you have time to explore your options, learn new tools, and personalize them to fit your communication style. Starting early allows you to:

• Become comfortable using AAC before communication changes occur
• Create and save meaningful messages, phrases, and personal information
• Explore voice banking for ALS or message banking options, if desired, to record your natural voice or use samples of your natural speech to create your own digitized voice
• Work with professionals, such as speech and occupational therapists, who can help identify ALS speech device solutions that meet your needs and goals

Most importantly, starting early helps ensure that your communication remains on your terms

Taking the First Step with AAC

You don't have to navigate AAC alone. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) experienced in AAC can help evaluate your communication needs and recommend tools, such as an eye gaze device for ALS, that align with your abilities, preferences, and daily routines.

When meeting with an AAC professional, consider discussing:

• Your current communication strengths and challenges
• Activities and conversations that are most important to you
• Changes you may anticipate in the future
• Access methods that feel comfortable, such as direct touch, switch access, head tracking, or eye tracking

ALS Communication Devices

Communication devices in the Genesis product line provide options for multiple access methods that support you along the way. These speech-generating devices are durable medical equipment rigorously tested and approved to be covered by private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare.

New Possibilities with Genesis

AAC Is About More Than Technology

When people think of AAC, they often picture a speech-generating device. While technology can play an important role, AAC is about staying connected to the people, activities, and moments that matter most.

With AAC, you can:

• Advocate for yourself by expressing needs, wants, and opinions
• Interact with others and maintain relationships
• Report problems from medical issues to home needs
• Help decrease frustration caused by communication breakdowns
• Control digital spaces and home environments

Whether you're sharing a story with family, participating in medical appointments, continuing to work, or simply saying "I love you," AAC can help support meaningful communication throughout your ALS journey.

Making AAC Decisions Together

Thousands of individuals with ALS use AAC every day to maintain independence and stay engaged with the people around them. Learning about AAC can feel overwhelming at first, but support is available. With the right team, resources, and communication tools, you can build a plan that helps you continue expressing yourself with confidence.

At PRC-Saltillo, you have an AAC Consultant with extensive clinical experience who comes alongside your local team of friends, family, and professionals to help you explore ALS communication devices, trial loan options, and insurance funding processes so you can stay connected today and prepared for tomorrow.

Ready to learn more? Find your AAC Consultant and send them a message today.

Find Your AAC Consultant