Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

What is AAC? 

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) describes all forms of communication other than oral speech that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas.  This can be unaided (e.g., gestures, facial expressions, manual signs, body language), or aided (e.g., symbols, pictures, writing, drawing, technology).  

Surrey School District AAC Department

The AAC SLPs (5.0 FTE) are based in one hub along with two AAC Education Assistants. They serve any student whose communication skills do not meet their functional needs. This includes students who are non-speaking, minimally verbal or have highly unintelligible speech. 

Service is offered to students from kindergarten to grade 12. 

The AAC SLP works collaboratively with the school based SLP and other school team members.

Referrals for AAC SLP support can be made prior to kindergarten entry by the Integration Support Teacher (IST). Referrals during the school year are generated by the school-based team and need to be signed by the school-based SLP following an initial screening of the student for which parental consent is required.

 The following are some resources to consider for working with your child on their AAC system.  

HANDOUTS

• Do’s & Don’ts of AAC handout ?where is this

VIDEOS

Literacy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAss2bjVtEA

Modeling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ9_gxgEkMs

Core Words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG5JeH2H_OY

ADDITIONAL WEBSITE LINKS

• AAC Coach: https://www.facebook.com/theaaccoach/
• PrAACtical AAC: https://praacticalaac.org
• AAC Language Lab: https://aaclanguagelab.com
• Assistiveware: https://www.assistiveware.com
• Prentrom: https://www.prentrom.com/education/education_overview

 For additional resources, please contact your school AAC SLP by emailing or calling the school.