AAC

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) provides people with speech and language challenges the tools to help them communicate. At Desert Speech LLC in Rancho Mirage, California, Oksana DerDerian, MS, CCC-SLP, and the team provide AAC for children and adults who need help finding other ways to “talk” when speaking is challenging. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is AAC?

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to all the ways you can “speak” to others without talking. This includes writing or using apps that talk for you.

Some people need AAC for a short time, while others use these alternative forms of communication throughout their life.

The Desert Speech LLC team specializes in AAC, helping people of all ages communicate using alternative methods.

Who benefits from AAC?

The Desert Speech LLC team conducts a thorough evaluation to determine who might benefit from AAC. Any person struggling to communicate verbally will find AAC helpful.

The team recommends scheduling a consultation if you or someone you love experiences frustration when others don’t understand what they say verbally, affecting their social skills. This includes nonverbal children and adults.

You don’t need special cognitive abilities (thinking skills) to participate in AAC. The team personalizes plans to match their patient’s abilities. Improving communication boosts confidence and self-esteem.

I’m not good with technology. What tools are used for AAC?

You don’t need to be good with technology to benefit from AAC. The Desert Speech LLC team uses many tools for AAC, including no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech choices. Examples of devices the team uses for AAC include:

• Hand gestures
• Facial expressions
• Writing and drawing
• Pointing to written words or pictures in a “speaking” book
• Using apps to communicate
• Using a voice-generated computer

The team at Desert Speech LLC personalizes AAC plans to match age, needs, and goals.

What can I expect from AAC?

The speech-language pathologists customize your AAC so that you get the best possible results.

The team educates you about AAC, the available tools, and how to use them. During therapy, the team will try various methods to find the best communication device for you. They then teach you (or your child) how to use it.

They schedule regular follow-up visits to address underlying communication issues and adjust plans when needed.

AAC gives you the ability to express yourself when you have a hard time speaking. Call Desert Speech LLC, or use the online booking feature to schedule an appointment today.