How we work with clients?

We work closely with clients, families and caregivers to identify the most suitable AAC solutions. After a comprehensive assessment, we explore high-tech, low-tech or hybrid options and support clients to trial different systems. We provide training, troubleshooting and ongoing adjustments to ensure the AAC system remains practical and confidence-building.

How we can work with other Speech Pathologists?

We support external speech pathologists with device trials, assessments and AT applications. We stay up to date with the AAC market and manage logistics such as coordinating trials and preparing funding evidence. We can also help integrate AAC into therapy sessions for consistent use across environments.

How we collaborate with Occupational Therapists?

We work with OTs to ensure AAC systems are accessible and practical in everyday environments. This includes access methods, positioning, mounting and integrating AAC into meaningful activities. We offer joint assessments and troubleshooting to ensure each AAC system is functional and tailored.

How we keep up-to-date with the market?

We stay connected to AAC developments through ongoing professional development and strong supplier relationships. This allows us to offer a wide range of high-quality AAC options and reduce waiting times for trials. We remain at the forefront of AAC advancements to provide effective, evidence-based solutions.

Do you support NDIS funding applications?

Yes. We provide NDIS-ready Assistive Technology evidence reports, trial outcomes and recommendations to support funding applications for AAC systems. Our team works with clients, families and support coordinators to ensure the information is clear, accurate and aligned with NDIS requirements.

How long does the AAC process take?

Timeframes vary depending on assessment needs, device availability and NDIS processing times. We aim to reduce delays by maintaining access to commonly used AAC devices and working closely with suppliers. After the assessment and trials, we provide timely recommendations to help move the process forward as quickly as possible.

Do you offer AAC services outside Brisbane?

AAC services are delivered through our Brisbane team. Telepractice may be available depending on the type of AAC system and assessment requirements. Contact us to discuss whether remote support is suitable for your situation.

Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

Explore communication options that work for you.

LifeTec’s speech pathologists help people of all ages explore, trial and use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). We provide independent assessments, prescriptions and practical support to help you communicate in everyday life.

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What is AAC?

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes tools and strategies that support communication when speech is difficult, limited or not available. A person might use AAC alongside speech or as another way to express their thoughts, needs, choices and ideas.

AAC is a form of assistive technology. There is no single option that suits everyone, and a person may use different tools in different settings.

Who AAC is for

AAC can support children and adults with a range of communication needs, including:

Have difficulty speaking or being understood

Use limited or no speech

Have changing communication needs

Have acquired communication difficulties

Want another reliable way to communicate

Types of AAC

AAC tools are often described as low-tech or high-tech. Explore the examples below to see what each type can look like.

Low‑tech AAC tools do not require batteries or electronics. They are simple, flexible and easy to customise.
'About Me' Books'
Share a person’s preferences, routines and communication style so others can get to know them and support their communication.
Visual Schedules
Use pictures or words to show what is happening or the steps in an activity. They can support understanding and participation in daily routines.
Communication Books and Boards
Let a person point to pictures, symbols, letters or words to express a message. A PODD book is one example of a structured communication book.
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

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.
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.
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.
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.

Your AAC journey with us

Initial Consultation

Tell us about your communication goals.

Assessment

We explore your needs, strengths and daily life.

Trial and Compare Options

Try suitable AAC options where available.

Prescription and report

We recommend an approach and prepare a report where needed.

Set up and Implementation

Learn to use AAC with support from our team.

Review

We check how it is working and discuss next steps.

Where is this service available?

LifeTec’s AAC service is provided through our Brisbane team. Contact us with your location and communication needs so we can confirm what support is currently available.

Funding and referrals

AAC assessments and trials may be accessed through NDIS funding or paid for privately, depending on your circumstances. The service and referral pathway depend on your needs and funding.

If you are unsure where to begin, contact our team. We can discuss your options and explain how to make a referral.

Why Choose LifeTec

Supporting Queenslanders since 1981

Experienced allied health professionals

Independent advice based on your needs

Practical support to explore your options

Mentoring and training for professionals

LifeTec offers AAC mentoring and training for speech pathologists and other professionals who want to build their knowledge and confidence. Our senior speech pathologist brings extensive experience in mentoring, teaching and supporting others to understand and use AAC effectively in everyday communication.

Interested?

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

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Frequently asked questions

We understand that every person has unique communication needs. Our Brisbane AAC team works closely with clients, families and caregivers to find the most suitable communication solutions. We begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand communication goals, abilities and challenges. From there, we explore a range of AAC options - from high‑tech devices to low‑tech communication boards or a combination of both. Clients can trial different systems to see what works best in daily life. We provide training, troubleshooting and ongoing adjustments to ensure the AAC system remains practical, effective and confidence‑building. As technology evolves, we stay committed to offering evidence‑based, up‑to‑date solutions.

AAC device prescription can be complex, especially when balancing a full caseload. We support external speech pathologists by assisting with device trials, assessments and AT applications, ensuring clients receive the most suitable AAC solution. Whether we work alongside you or independently, our team stays up to date with the rapidly evolving AAC market, so you can feel confident in the recommendations and technology we provide. We take care of the logistics, from coordinating trials to preparing evidence for funding, making the AAC selection process smoother and more efficient for both you and your client. Once an AAC device is selected, we can continue supporting you by helping integrate AAC into your regular therapy sessions, ensuring the system is used consistently and effectively across all environments.

Occupational Therapists play a key role in ensuring AAC systems are physically accessible and practical in everyday environments. We work closely with OTs to explore access methods, positioning and mounting solutions, and how AAC can be integrated into meaningful daily activities. OTs with specialised training in alternative access bring valuable expertise to the AAC process, and we welcome their involvement at every stage. Our team is available for joint assessments, consultations and troubleshooting to ensure each AAC system is functional, accessible and tailored to the client’s unique needs. You can also learn more about our Alternative Access service.

At LifeTec, our sole focus on assistive technology keeps us closely connected to ongoing developments in the AAC field. Through dedicated professional development and strong relationships with trusted suppliers, we stay informed about the latest innovations and best practices. We take pride in our strong relationships with leading AAC suppliers, allowing us to offer a diverse range of high-quality communication devices and tailored solutions to meet our clients' unique needs. We are fortunate to have access to some common AAC options, which allow us to reduce the waiting time for device trials. By combining established relationships with suppliers with targeted professional development we are able to provide our clients with access to cutting-edge technology and resources, ensuring that each individual receives the most appropriate and effective communication solutions. We stay at the forefront of AAC advancements, continually enhancing our services to better support our clients' communication needs.

Ready to explore AAC?

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