What comes to mind on hearing the word “technology”? A smartphone full of apps? The latest in artificial intelligence? Any number of things that use motors, chargers, or virtual connections?
Technology—including assistive technology—is all that; but it’s also a garden spade, a simple lever, and a paper notepad. Technology comprises every idea and invention ever put to practical use.
The World of AAC Technology
There are high-tech (complicated/advanced) and low-tech (simple/basic) tools. October being AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Awareness Month, let’s consider some AAC tools in both categories.
Low tech includes:
- Picture boards (usually organized on laminated paper or cardboard, where users can indicate their thoughts by pointing to relevant pictures)
- Letter boards (where a user can spell out words by pointing to the letters)
- Pencil and paper (for writing out, or drawing, what the user wants to say)
High tech includes digital counterparts for all the above, plus:
- AAC apps that can be programmed for different voices
- Text-to-speech devices
- Eye-gaze technology for operating speech-generating devices
Many people use both high- and low-tech AAC in their everyday lives. For example, someone might have a smartphone app for social and business interactions; a laminated picture board for the beach; and a personal sign language among family and close friends.
Comparing High Tech and Low Tech
In fact, it’s rare for anyone to rely 100% and 24/7 on one form of communications technology. What works in one situation may be impractical for the same person in another situation.
A few high-tech-low-tech comparisons:
- High tech offers customizable voices, auditory feedback, and other advanced features to fit a variety of user needs. It’s usually the best choice for someone who needs an audible-communication option (e.g., someone whose home or work environment requires speaking up to get others’ attention).
- High tech, especially in app form, is often more portable. And for those who like different options for different situations, multiple apps can easily be stored on one device.
- High-tech picture/word boards can store more options, and be edited more easily, than low-tech versions.
- Low tech often has less of a learning curve, an important consideration for users who frustrate easily. Sometimes, fewer options equal more effectiveness.
- Low tech never needs recharging, and is less susceptible to environmental damage; so it’s often better for users who spend a lot of time outdoors.
What matters is that an AAC option works with the user’s needs and preferences to make communication easier.
A Note on Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Since “augmentative and alternative communication” is a mouthful for the most verbally enabled (and not easy to write out, either), it’s no surprise that “AAC” is the standard term. However, there is a difference between “augmentative” and “alternative” communication:
- “Augmentative” means “supplementary.” Augmentative communication technologies are for people who have some verbal ability, but can’t use it consistently because of disabilities that cause fatigue, or impede pronunciation.
- “Alternative” technology fully replaces verbal speech. It’s used by people who are completely nonverbal, for physical and/or neurological reasons.
Also, need for AAC isn’t always a permanent condition. Physical injury or illness can make a person temporarily nonverbal. Children who don’t master verbal speech at the typical age can often learn it later. Someone who depends on AAC at one stage in life may not need it after a month, a year, or a decade; so when looking into options, it’s important to get professional advice and to consider financial investment, learning curve, and length of time the technology will be needed.
Want help? BridgingApps offers AAC evaluations, plus assistive-technology labs for trying out options. Contact us to schedule a visit!
Ready to invest in AAC? AAC Awareness Month is a great time to check out sales! See our “Amazing! Savings” graphic for AAC Awareness Month October 2025.