top of page
LT LYP CMYK.png
hero aac.png
hero aac.png

Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

AAC helps people communicate using tools, strategies and technologies that support or replace speech. This may include communication books, apps, speech‑generating devices, symbols, or alternative access methods such as switches and eye gaze.

AAC can support people of all ages to express their needs, share ideas, build relationships and participate more fully in everyday life.

What is AAC?

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes any method that helps a person communicate when speech is difficult, limited or not possible.

If you’d like a simple overview of assistive technology more broadly, visit Assistive Technology Explained.

 

AAC can be:

  • Low‑tech - communication boards, books, symbols, keyrings

  • Mid‑tech - simple voice output devices

  • High‑tech - communication apps and speech‑generating devices

  • Alternative access - switches, eye gaze, joysticks, head tracking

 

AAC does not stop someone from learning to speak. It supports communication while building confidence, language and independence.

Types of AAC

AAC includes a wide range of tools and strategies that support or replace speech. These tools are often grouped into two main categories: low‑tech AAC and high‑tech AAC.

  • Low‑tech AAC tools do not require batteries or electronics. They are simple, flexible and easy to customise.

    lowtech-about me books.png
    'About Me' Books'

    These books share important information about a person - their likes, dislikes, routines, communication preferences and the people in their life. They help others get to know the person and support positive interactions.

    lowtech-visual schedules.png
    Visual Schedules

    Visual schedules use pictures or words to show daily activities or steps in a task. They help people understand routines, stay organised and move through activities with confidence.

    lowtech-communication books.png
    Communication Books and Boards

    These tools use pictures, symbols or words that a person can point to in order to communicate.
    Communication books can include multiple pages organised by topic.
    PODD books are one example of a structured low‑tech communication system.

  • High‑tech AAC includes electronic communication systems such as apps, tablets and speech‑generating devices. These tools can offer:

    • customisable vocabulary

    • voice output

    • multiple access methods (touch, switch, eye gaze, etc.)

    • the ability to store and retrieve messages

    • options for text‑based or symbol‑based communication

    aac-static.png
    Static Display Devices

    These devices use printed symbol overlays. Pressing a symbol plays a recorded message. They are useful for people learning choice‑making or who prefer simple, consistent layouts.

    aac-dynamic.png
    Dynamic Display Devices

    These devices have touchscreens with multiple pages of vocabulary. Selecting a symbol or word can open new pages or speak a message aloud.

    aac-Text-based Systems.png
    Text-based Systems

    People type their message, and the device speaks it aloud. These systems are helpful for people with strong literacy skills and may include features like word prediction or stored phrases.

    aac-Symbol-based Systems.png
    Symbol-based Systems

    These systems use symbols or pictures to represent words and concepts. They support people who communicate visually or who benefit from structured symbol‑based language systems.

Who AAC Is For

AAC can support people who:

  • have difficulty speaking or being understood

  • use limited or no speech

  • have changing or progressive communication needs

  • have acquired communication difficulties

  • want more reliable or independent ways to communicate

 

AAC can help children, adults and older people across many communication needs.

How We Can Help

We support people to explore, trial and use AAC tools that fit their goals and daily life. Our services include:

  • AAC assessments

  • Device trials and demonstrations

  • Support with communication apps

  • Training for families and support teams

  • Alternative access assessments

  • Funding recommendations

  • Ongoing support to build confidence

Our AAC Assessment Process

1. Understanding your communication needs
We learn about your goals, strengths, challenges and daily communication environments.

 

2. Exploring AAC options
We look at a range of low‑tech and high‑tech AAC tools, including communication apps and speech‑generating devices.

We can also explore alternative access options (such as switches, eye gaze, head tracking or voice control) if needed. Learn more about Alternative Access.

 

3. Hands‑on trials
You can try different AAC systems to see what feels comfortable and effective.

 

4. Recommendations
We provide clear, unbiased recommendations to support your next steps, including NDIS or funding applications. Learn more about NDIS funding.

 

5. Training & support
We offer training for individuals, families, carers and support teams to help you get the most out of your AAC system.

AAC Mentoring, Training & Workshops

We offer mentoring and training services for professionals, families and students to build confidence and skills in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

 

Our senior speech pathologist brings extensive experience in mentoring, teaching and supporting others to understand and use AAC effectively in everyday communication.

Professional Mentoring

Are you a Speech Pathologist looking to upskill in AAC assessment, prescription, and device implementation? We provide one-on-one or group mentoring to help you feel more confident supporting clients with complex communication needs.

Family & Support Staff Education

Already have a AAC device but not sure how to get the most out of it? We can guide you and your support network through hands-on sessions to ensure everyone feels comfortable and capable using the device in daily life.

University Workshops & Private Training

We regularly collaborate with universities to deliver engaging AAC workshops for Speech Pathology students and can provide tailored training sessions or seminars for teams and organisations upon request.

Interested?

Get in touch with our team to discuss your training needs and how we can support you.

Contact Us

Who We Support

NDIS participant using assistive technology at home

NDIS participants & people with disability

Older person using home modifications to stay safe and independent

CHSP clients & people ageing at home

Carer supporting a family member with assistive technology

Carers & families

Support coordinator

Support coordinators

Allied health professional assessing a client’s assistive technology needs

Allied health professionals

Community organisation team

Community organisations

How Our Process Works

Our service process follows LifeTec's IMAGINE SEEK CHOOSE LIVE pathway—helping you explore possibilities, find the right solutions, and live with confidence.

lifetec ISCL banner

The IMAGINE SEEK CHOOSE LIVE pathway puts you in control of your assistive technology journey. Our team works with people of all ages and abilities through this evidence‑informed approach to ensure you are well supported and informed at every step.

Your Journey With Us

At LifeTec, we make it simple to get the Assistive Technology support your need.

Here's what to expect when working with us:

1-consultation.png

Initial Consultation

2-Assessment.png

Assessment

3-trial.png

Trial and Compare Options

4-selection.png

Recommendation and Funding Application

5-setup.png

Set up and Implementation

6-review.png

Review

Frequently asked questions

Why Choose LifeTec?

Over 47 years supporting Queenslanders

Skilled speech pathologists with extensive AAC experience

Registered NDIS provider

Strong local knowledge and collaborative approach

Practical, person‑centred recommendations

Get Started with LifeTec

Whether you're looking for help for yourself, a loved one, or a client, we're here to help.

bottom of page