Augmentative and Alternative Communication

An evaluation to determine whether a student needs assistive technology devices or services to benefit from their education. The assessment examines the student's abilities, the tasks they need to perform, and what technologies might help. Schools must consider assistive technology for every IEP.

A related service provided by a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) to address communication difficulties. This may include articulation, language comprehension, expressive language, fluency (stuttering), voice, pragmatic (social) language, and feeding/swallowing issues.

Any method of communication that supplements or replaces speech for individuals who have difficulty producing or understanding spoken language. AAC ranges from low-tech options (picture boards, sign language) to high-tech devices (speech-generating tablets, eye-gaze systems). AAC is a form of assistive technology that schools must consider.