Keep Your Voice With AAC

Your voice is a significant part of who you are.

It’s how you tell a joke, ask a question, share an opinion, say “I love you,” make a choice, or tell someone exactly what you need.

Communication needs may change after a medical diagnosis, but the need to be heard remains. Communication may look different, but your voice is still yours.

Augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC, offers tools and strategies that support communication when speech becomes difficult or unreliable. From speech-generating devices and eye-tracking technology to personalized messages and voice banking, AAC can support communication now and as needs change over time.

What is AAC?

Ways AAC can help you keep your voice

AAC can preserve and support communication in many meaningful ways.

Preserve personality and preferences

Choose an AAC vocabulary that lets you save favorite phrases, jokes, greetings, nicknames, and expressions that sound like you. You also want the option to personalize vocabulary to share needs, opinions, routines, and decisions.

Preserve your natural voice

Consider voice banking or message banking to capture important words and phrases before speech changes. You can also record your natural voice or use samples of your natural speech to create your own digitized voice and use it with your communication device. Free services are available to assist you such as The Voice Keeper™.

Support changing access needs

One AAC device that has multiple access technologies can support your changing needs. Explore advanced AAC solutions that offer many ways to control the device:

• Touching the screen
• Eye-tracking technology that allows control by looking at the device
• Head-tracking technology that allows control of a mouse through head movement
• Switches that can be activated by any body part offering the most reliable and intentional movement

Your communication device can be mounted for use in a variety of places. There are on-the-go options for wheelchairs and options at home for a bed or recliner with floorstands.

Support community and connection

AAC can help with everyday conversations in-person and digitally. Many high-tech AAC devices have the option of full computer functionality so you can access the internet, text, email, and social media. Built-in Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth® phone technology, cameras, USB, and other ports provide state-of-the-art ways to connect and communicate with people near and far. Invite family members, friends, caregivers, and professionals to learn strategies that make communication more successful.

Speech may change, but communication can continue. With AAC, your voice can still reflect your personality, your choices, your relationships, and your story. The earlier you explore options, the more time you have to personalize the tools and strategies that help you stay connected—today and as your needs change.

Explore Your AAC Options

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 communication solutions, trial loan options, and insurance funding processes so you can stay connected today and prepared for tomorrow. There’s no question too big or too small.

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

Find Your AAC Consultant