AAC CONNECT Vancouver was created in 2017, with the goal to provide local, specialized AAC services to preschool & school-age children who are minimally verbal, nonverbal, or emergent level communicators. Services are client-centred, including individualized programs & goals, and occurring in the child's own/home environment. Services include consultation, assessment, and direct therapy. Collaboration with a child's team (parents, (pre)school, & other therapists) is recognized as an important component to a home-based therapy program.
What is AAC?
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a set of tools and strategies that an individual uses to solve communicative challenges. AAC can be used to augment existing speech (children who are minimally verbal), or as an alternative to speech (for individuals who rely on primarily non-verbal means to communicate). AAC tools can take many forms, including gestures, picture symbols (communication boards/books), eye gaze and use of voice output devices/apps. AAC strategies include Aided Language Modelling, and strategies to support the development of language in general. Research has demonstrated that the use of AAC does not impede development of natural speech.
