Written by Danielle Hutton
Team Leader – Speech Pathologist and Augmentative and Alternative Communication Clinical Lead
“While the journey to finding the right AAC system can take time, the outcome is absolutely worth it. Having a voice, autonomy, and a reliable system to communicate with builds confidence, supports social connection, and encourages participation in the world and everyday life.
At Superyou, we believe that supporting individuals to discover their AAC system isn’t just about communication. It’s about identity, dignity, and belonging, and it’s such a privilege to be part of that journey!”
When it comes to supporting communication, one size does not fit all. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices can be life-changing, opening up possibilities to express thoughts, make choices, participate in learning, connect with friends and family, control your environment, and be an active part of the community. But the key to unlocking this potential is finding a device that truly fits the individual, and that starts with assessment and feature matching.
Why Assessment Matters
Assessment is the first step in understanding a person’s unique communication needs. It looks at abilities, strengths, preferences, daily routines, communication tasks, and the environments where communication happens, such as at home, school, work, or in the community. By understanding these unique individual considerations, we can make sure that an AAC device actually enables real-life communication and meaningful interactions in line with your goals.
Feature Matching: Making Technology Work for You
AAC devices come with a wide range of hardware and software features, such as touch screens, switches, eye gaze systems, various language systems and symbol sets, word prediction, environmental controls, voice output, keyboards, visual customisations, and the list goes on. Feature matching is about aligning these features with the person’s abilities, daily tasks, and communication goals.
For example:
- Can they reliably use their hands, eyes, or a switch?
- What vocabulary and symbols will help them communicate wants, needs, ideas, and feelings?
- Will they use the device in different environments, such as noisy classrooms, social settings, or on the go?
- What do they want to do with their AAC device? Do they want to send text messages, engage in conversations, participate in learning at school, or something else?
These are all important considerations that your Superyou AAC consultants will carefully review when getting to know you and your needs, to ensure that the AAC hardware and software recommendations are specifically tailored to you and your communication goals.
The Power of AAC
The potential of AAC is huge. With the right system, individuals can go beyond expressing basic needs and express complex ideas, take part in learning, make friends, share opinions, control their environment, and shape their own life experiences. Considering this potential alongside each person’s unique needs ensures the device is not just functional, but transformative in providing them with a voice, choice and control.
Putting People First
At the heart of AAC assessment is the person using the device. Their preferences, routines, and goals guide every decision. A well-matched AAC system does not just enable communication, it empowers independence, confidence, and connection. Assessment and feature matching are not just steps in a process. They are the foundation for meaningful, functional communication that fits each individual’s life and unlocks their full potential.
To find out more about our AAC services, contact us today!