It’s October, which means it’s AAC Awareness Month!

As I scroll through posts and conversations, I often see beautiful reminders like “communication comes in many forms” and “AAC does not impede speech.” These truths are important and worth sharing because they’ve helped shift how people think about communication and inclusion.

But if there’s one message I don’t see enough of, it’s this: AAC is not only for non speaking individuals. 

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. The word augmentative means to add to or support something that already exists. In this case, AAC can add to or support spoken communication. For example, a person who can say a few words might use AAC to expand their message, clarify what they mean, or share ideas that go beyond what they can express verbally.

If you’re wondering what this might look like, it could be a child who makes a few animal sounds and says “I want” but can’t tell you when they’re hurt. It might also be someone who echoes what others say, like when a parent says “say hi” and the person repeats “say hi.” In those moments, they may not yet be using the words in a meaningful or spontaneous way. AAC can bridge that gap by offering visual, auditory, and tactile supports that make language more accessible and meaningful. This type of multimodal learning supports language development rather than replacing it. Research shows that AAC use can actually increase verbal output and comprehension.

It’s easy to see why AAC might feel intimidating. We’re constantly being told, “Put the screens away!” while also hearing endless messages about how we’re supposed to grow and adapt in this ever-evolving world. It can feel confusing and a little ironic. But AAC is different. It’s not a distraction from communication; it’s a pathway toward it. It isn’t singularly a screen or something that stops speech. It’s one part of a multimodal approach that includes gestures, vocalizations, facial expressions, spoken words, and visuals. The goal is not to replace speech but to support it by giving individuals multiple ways to express themselves and be understood. For many communicators, AAC becomes a bridge that strengthens connection and the ability to share thoughts in their own way. 

AAC is not a last resort. It’s one of the many tools we can use to strengthen connection and make communication accessible for everyone.

Written by: Mary Gagliardotto