What is AAC? A beginner's guide to Augmentative and Alternative Communication
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Here's what it means, who uses it, and how modern apps are making it more accessible than ever.
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is an umbrella term for the methods, tools, and strategies that help people communicate when speech alone isn’t enough.
Who uses AAC?
AAC is used by a wide range of people, including:
- People with autism who are non-speaking or minimally verbal
- People with ALS, MND, or cerebral palsy who have limited motor speech control
- Individuals recovering from a stroke or traumatic brain injury
- People with selective mutism or severe social anxiety
It’s estimated that over 1 in 500 people have a communication disability severe enough to benefit from AAC. Globally, that’s millions of people.
High-tech vs low-tech AAC
AAC ranges from simple picture boards (low-tech) all the way to sophisticated speech-generating devices (high-tech). Modern smartphones and tablets have made high-tech AAC far more accessible: you no longer need expensive specialist hardware.
Why text-to-speech is a gateway into AAC
For people who can type but struggle to speak, a good text-to-speech app is often the simplest entry point into AAC. It removes the social friction of silence and gives users a voice that feels natural.
MyVoice is designed exactly for this use case: fast, expressive, and always in your pocket.
Getting started
If you or someone you care for is exploring AAC for the first time, the best first step is to try it. Download MyVoice for free and see how text-to-speech fits into everyday communication.
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Natural AI voices, saved phrases, and full accessibility support on iOS and Android.