A woman wearing a tracking dot on her forehead

What is AAC / AT?

Assistive Technology is all about making life easier and helping people to be more independent

What is AAC / AT?

Well we do all love a good acronym! AT stands for Assistive Technology and AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. They are basically what Ace Centre is all about.

AT (Assistive Technology) is all about making life easier and helping people to be more independent. It is any form of software, hardware or system that helps a person to maintain, improve or increase their capabilities.

AT covers a really broad range of things. It might help someone to continue to work by providing an alternative way of controlling their computer, or it might enable someone to open the windows and doors in their own home.

AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is one, very important, type of AT. AAC is there to help people with communication challenges. It is all about providing strategies and communication aids that support or replace someone’s speech when they can’t rely upon it to communicate. Communication aids that ‘talk’ are sometimes called Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs) or Speech Output Devices.

"I like my new machine because it is easy to use and has a button that sounds like a car horn that’s fun to press when I want mum and dad to get me things."

Glyn

Read his story

Resources to get started

View all >

Info & Apps
Express Yourself!
Info & Apps
Language Library
Info & Apps
Framework for Switch Assessment
Info & Apps
Practical Tips when working with AAC Users who communicate in Languages Other than English
Info & Apps
Language Questionnaire
Education resources
AAC in Action: Tasty Traditions
Education resources
Cooking
Learning
iOS Accessibility
Info & Apps
FUNctional Switching
Learning
Supporting Literacy with AAC
Learning
Makaton
Learning
Look2Talk
Info & Apps
Getting Started with Core Words
Info & Apps
Getting Started with AAC and Literacy
Education resources
AAC in Action: Festive Season
Info & Apps
Getting Started with Yes/No
Info & Apps
Getting Started with Modelling
Education resources
AAC in Action: Autumn Festivals
Alphabet Charts & Books
Listener Mediated Scanning Frequency Alphabet Chart Pack
Alphabet Charts & Books
Listener Mediated Scanning ABC Chart Pack
Alphabet Charts & Books
Communication Pack for Adults who Benefit from Symbol Support
Info & Apps
Getting Started with Paper-Based Symbol Resources
Info & Apps
AAC Based Scientific Calculator
Learning
What is AAC?
Learning
Who Needs AAC?
Learning
When to Start with AAC?
Info & Apps
A Guide to Writing an Effective AAC Policy in Education Settings
Alphabet Charts & Books
Clues Book
Alphabet Charts & Books
High contrast ABC flip book - for Listener Mediated Scanning
Alphabet Charts & Books
Alphabet flip chart
Alphabet Charts & Books
Pragmatic Auditory Scan Communication Book
Info & Apps
Access to paper-based symbol resources when pointing is difficult
Info & Apps
Designing and using alphabet charts
Learning
Implementing the Pragmatics Profile
Info & Apps
Echo
Learning
Look2Talk
Learning
Supporting Literacy with AAC
Learning
AAC Assessment Tools
Learning
Communication Partners
Learning
Access Methods: Voice
Learning
Access Methods: Eye Gaze
Learning
Access Methods: Mouse
Learning
Access Methods: Touch
Learning
Access Methods: Switch
Learning
Using AAC to Play
Learning
Coaching Communication Partners
Learning
AAC in the Classroom
Learning
PODD 2-Day Introductory Course
Learning
Understanding The Benefits of Assistive Technology
Learning
How to Develop and Use a Communication Book (DUCB)
Learning
How to Develop and Use a Communication Book (DUCB)
Learning
AAC Assessment Tools
Info & Apps
The Pragmatics Profile for People who use AAC
Education resources
Easter Egg Hunt
Learning
AAC Accredited Module
Learning
Makaton Level 1: Foundation Level – Introduction to Makaton
Learning
Splash! V.3
Info & Apps
Appraising an AAC Resource in a Language You Do Not Speak
Symbol Charts
Reading
Alphabet Charts & Books
Alphabet Chart Pack - charts you point to
Alphabet Charts & Books
A5 Communication Book you can point to
Info & Apps
TextAloud
Symbol Charts
Listen To Music
Symbol Charts
Manicure
Symbol Charts
Gardening
Symbol Charts
Bingo
Learning
AAC Policy Development Training
Education resources
Halloween pumpkin carving
Info & Apps
Identifying Vocabulary to personalise AAC
Learning
Assistive Technology for Complex Communication, Physical & Learning Needs
Education resources
Eid al-Adha Snap!
Info & Apps
Supporting Communication for People with Aphasia
Learning
Supporting Communication for People with Aphasia
Learning
CAD in AT: Introduction
Education resources
DUCB Easter
Learning
Access Methods: Voice
Learning
Access Methods: Mouse
Learning
Access Methods: Switch
Learning
Access Methods: Eye Gaze
Learning
Access Methods: Touch
Education resources
Spring Writing
Education resources
Pancake Day
Info & Apps
Morse Learn
Alphabet Charts & Books
High Frequency Words & Phrases with QWERTY alphabet for Pointing
Info & Apps
Pasco
Info & Apps
Snap!
Education resources
Christmas Snap!
Education resources
Build a Snowman
Education resources
Night Before Christmas Shared Reading
Info & Apps
EyeCommander
Info & Apps
Paper-based resources to support Communication for Adults with Progressive Conditions
Info & Apps
Ace Centre E-Tran Frame
Alphabet Charts & Books
ABC with core words
Alphabet Charts & Books
QWERTY with core words
Alphabet Charts & Books
QWERTY chart with useful words for a child
Info & Apps
Understanding the Features of Electronic Text Based AAC
Learning
Splash! V.2
Alphabet Charts & Books
High contrast ABC & Frequency layout charts - for Listener Mediated Scanning
Alphabet Charts & Books
Number encoded ABC you can point to
Alphabet Charts & Books
Colour encoded ABC you can point to
Alphabet Charts & Books
Coded ABC chart you can point to
Alphabet Charts & Books
Number encoded - UPPER case - for eye pointing
Alphabet Charts & Books
Colour encoded - UPPER case - for eye pointing
Alphabet Charts & Books
Colour encoded - lower case - for eye pointing
Info & Apps
Readiness for AAC (Talking Mats)
Info & Apps
SpeakBook
Education resources
GridWiz
Info & Apps
Being a Communication Partner
Education resources
Core Word Classroom - 5 Minute Filler
Education resources
Make your own switch adapted Christmas Tree lights
Education resources
Simon Says... Sing a Carol!
Education resources
Make your own Biscuit Christmas Tree
Education resources
Christmas Place Mat
Education resources
Elf on the Shelf
Alphabet Charts & Books
abc and core vocabulary
Alphabet Charts & Books
Abbreviation expansions - blank template
Alphabet Charts & Books
Abbreviation expansions
Alphabet Charts & Books
Frequency layout (fitaly) you can point to
Alphabet Charts & Books
A4 Whole word and QWERTY book you can point to
Alphabet Charts & Books
Pragmatic-based Auditory Scan chart
Uncategorised
Sing Old McDonald 8 Intro to encoding
Uncategorised
Train play 20 coded access - chart to give code
Uncategorised
Train play 20 coded access
Alphabet Charts & Books
A4 Category Based Listener Mediated Scan Book
Info & Apps
Talk Together
Info & Apps
Large Pointers
Alphabet Charts & Books
Encoded chart with ABC and numbers you can point to
Alphabet Charts & Books
Combination access ABC
Alphabet Charts & Books
High contrast (black on yellow) AEIOU
Alphabet Charts & Books
Encoded coloured borders E-Tran
Alphabet Charts & Books
AEIOU layout for row column Listener Mediated Scanning
Symbol Charts
Colours
Symbol Charts
Art
Symbol Charts
Make Up
Symbol Charts
Bath
Symbol Charts
Kerplunk
Symbol Charts
Simon Says
Symbol Charts
Read Dear Zoo
Symbol Charts
Look at Photos
Symbol Charts
Watch Peppa
Symbol Charts
Chat about TV
Symbol Charts
Sing Wheels on the Bus
Symbol Charts
Sing Old MacDonald
Symbol Charts
Mr Potato Head
Symbol Charts
Dolly
Symbol Charts
Bubbles
Symbol Charts
Blocks
Symbol Charts
Balloons
Symbol Charts
Turn Taking
Symbol Charts
Tea Time
Symbol Charts
Doctor
Symbol Charts
Dressing up
Symbol Charts
Snakes and Ladders
Symbol Charts
Train Play
Info & Apps
Making Software Inclusive
Info & Apps
Switch Access to Technology
Symbol Charts
Core
Shop
You-Matter Education Edition – Resource Pack
Shop
You-Matter - Education Edition
Shop
You Matter - Family Edition
Shop
You-Matter Family Edition – Participant Pack
Info & Apps
Look2Talk
Symbol Charts
DUCB - Developing and Using a Communication Book
Alphabet Charts & Books
ABC with Symbols

FAQs

Answering common queries and concerns.

What are symbol based charts and books?

Symbol based charts and books enable someone to communicate by pointing to or looking at pictures or special symbols printed on paper or other materials. Charts and books can be tailor-made to suit the individual and can be used everywhere as there are no batteries to run low or screens to break. While you still need to learn what the symbols mean, there is no need to be able to read or spell to communicate.

What are alphabet charts?

Alphabet charts can provide a quick way of communicating for individuals who are able to spell. They can be highly customised to meet the needs of an individual, whether it’s ensuring that the letters are organised in a familiar QWERTY layout or putting an image of the badge of someone’s football team behind the letters. Like symbol based charts and books, they can be used everywhere as there are no batteries to run low or screens to break.

What are Simple Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs)?

The simplest VOCAs tend to be sturdy battery-powered devices with built-in microphones for recording messages. They are sometimes known as light tech communication aids. They can be a great introduction to using a VOCA and can be a powerful tool for developing communication skills.

These devices are easy to operate and quick to update and change. Some can store words in ‘layers’, giving access to more vocabulary, but they all tend to be fairly restricted in terms of the total amount of vocabulary they can store. As they rely on pre-recorded speech, they are intended to be used by people who are not able to spell what they want to say.

Some simple VOCAs offer alternative ways of selecting messages for those that find pressing the buttons difficult.

What are Complex Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs)?

Complex VOCAs tend to make use of synthetic (i.e. computer generated) speech, although many offer the capacity to pre-record messages too. Synthetic speech now sounds much less robotic than it did in the past with more regional accents becoming available. The great thing about synthetic speech is that you can say new things with it – messages don’t have to be pre-recorded.

Complex VOCAs tend to be based around computer technology and have touchscreens of varying sizes, although there are a few keyboard based options around. Some are based around mainstream technology while others are purpose built.

They are suitable for use by people who can spell, but most can also be used by people who rely on symbols. Lots of options are available for people who find using a touchscreen difficult.

Complex VOCAs often offer additional features such as access to email, mobile phone and environmental control.