Difference Between Assistive Technology and AAC

Assistive technology and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) are two terms often used interchangeably. However, these are two different concepts that serve distinct purposes. Assistive technology is a broader term that encompasses a range of devices, equipment, software, or services designed to assist individuals with disabilities in completing daily activities. AAC, on the other hand, is a type of assistive technology specifically designed to support individuals with complex communication needs. In this article, we will explore the differences between assistive technology and AAC, their functions, and how they benefit individuals with disabilities.

Characteristics of Assistive Technology

  1. Customizable: Assistive technology devices and services should be customizable to meet the unique needs of each individual with a disability.

  2. Usable: Assistive technology devices and services should be easy to use and operate, even for individuals with limited technical skills or cognitive impairments.

  3. Reliable: Assistive technology devices and services should be reliable, durable, and able to withstand frequent use.

  4. Accessible: Assistive technology devices and services should be accessible to individuals with disabilities, regardless of their location, income level, or other factors.

  5. Adaptable: Assistive technology devices and services should be adaptable to changes in an individual's needs, as their disability may change over time.

Characteristics of AAC

  1. Person-centered: AAC devices and strategies should be person-centered, meaning that they should be tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual with complex communication needs.

  2. Comprehensive: AAC devices and strategies should encompass all aspects of communication, including receptive and expressive language, social interaction, and literacy.

  3. Multimodal: AAC devices and strategies should be multimodal, meaning that they should incorporate multiple modes of communication, including visual, auditory, and tactile modalities.

  4. Contextual: AAC devices and strategies should be contextual, meaning that they should be designed to work in a variety of settings, including social, educational, and vocational settings.

  5. Developmental: AAC devices and strategies should be developmental, meaning that they should support the individual's ongoing development of communication skills and be adaptable to changes in their communication needs over time.

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology (AT) refers to a range of equipment, devices, software, or services designed to support individuals with disabilities. AT includes a wide range of tools, such as communication devices, mobility aids, sensory aids, and adaptive equipment. Assistive technology aims to promote independence, improve daily living skills, enhance communication, and increase accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Assistive technology can be classified into three categories: low-tech, mid-tech, and high-tech. Low-tech assistive technology includes simple devices such as magnifying glasses, pencil grips, and large-print books. Mid-tech assistive technology includes devices such as voice recorders, adapted keyboards, and talking calculators. High-tech assistive technology includes complex devices such as speech-generating devices, eye-tracking technology, and assistive robotics.

Assistive technology devices and services are customized to meet the individual needs of the user. For instance, a wheelchair user may require a customized wheelchair to accommodate their specific physical needs. Likewise, a person with visual impairment may require screen readers or Braille displays to access digital information.

Assistive technology devices and services can benefit individuals with disabilities in several ways. These include:

  1. Promoting independence: AT devices such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and prosthetics enable individuals with disabilities to perform daily activities independently.

  2. Enhancing communication: AT devices such as communication boards, speech-generating devices, and sign language interpreters help individuals with communication difficulties to express themselves.

  3. Improving access to information: AT devices such as screen readers, Braille displays, and magnifying software enable individuals with visual impairments to access digital information.

  4. Enhancing learning: AT devices such as text-to-speech software, voice recognition software, and adaptive learning software help individuals with learning disabilities to acquire knowledge and skills.

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a type of assistive technology specifically designed to support individuals with complex communication needs. AAC includes a range of tools and strategies that help individuals with communication difficulties to express themselves. AAC devices and strategies are used by individuals who have difficulty speaking, or whose speech is difficult to understand.

AAC includes both unaided and aided communication. Unaided communication refers to methods of communication that do not require external devices or equipment, such as sign language or facial expressions. Aided communication refers to methods of communication that require external devices or equipment, such as communication boards, speech-generating devices, or eye-tracking technology.

AAC devices and strategies can be customized to meet the individual needs of the user. For instance, a person with cerebral palsy may use a speech-generating device that is activated by eye gaze. Likewise, a person with autism may use a communication board with pictures or symbols to communicate their needs and preferences.

AAC devices and strategies can benefit individuals with complex communication needs in several ways. These include:

  1. Enhancing communication: AAC devices and strategies enable individuals with communication difficulties to express themselves and communicate their needs and preferences.

  2. Improving social interaction: AAC devices and strategies facilitate social interaction and promote social inclusion.

  3. Enhancing learning: AAC devices and strategies support learning and skill acquisition, as they enable individuals with communication difficulties to participate fully in educational activities.

  1. Reducing frustration and anxiety: AAC devices and strategies reduce frustration and anxiety associated with communication difficulties, as they provide individuals with a means to communicate effectively.

Differences Between Assistive Technology and AAC

While AAC is a type of assistive technology, there are some key differences between the two concepts. The main difference is that assistive technology encompasses a broader range of devices and services, while AAC specifically focuses on communication devices and strategies. AAC is a subset of assistive technology that is designed to support individuals with complex communication needs.

Another difference between assistive technology and AAC is that while assistive technology can be used to support individuals with a range of disabilities, AAC is primarily used to support individuals with communication difficulties. Assistive technology devices and services can benefit individuals with physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and cognitive disabilities, as well as individuals with communication difficulties.

Finally, AAC devices and strategies require specialized training and support to use effectively, while many assistive technology devices and services can be used with minimal training or support. AAC users require ongoing support and training to develop their communication skills and to ensure that their devices and strategies meet their changing needs.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of Assistive Technology

  1. Promotes Independence: Assistive technology enables individuals with disabilities to perform daily activities independently, promoting self-sufficiency and independence.

  2. Improves Communication: Assistive technology devices such as speech-generating devices and communication boards enable individuals with communication difficulties to express themselves effectively.

  3. Enhances Access to Information: Assistive technology devices such as screen readers, Braille displays, and magnifying software enable individuals with visual impairments to access digital information.

  4. Facilitates Learning: Assistive technology devices such as text-to-speech software, voice recognition software, and adaptive learning software help individuals with learning disabilities to acquire knowledge and skills.

  5. Increases Mobility: Assistive technology devices such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and prosthetics enable individuals with physical disabilities to move around and participate in various activities.

Disadvantages of Assistive Technology

  1. Cost: Assistive technology devices and services can be expensive, making them inaccessible to individuals who cannot afford them.

  2. Limited Availability: Assistive technology devices and services may not be available in all locations, limiting access to these tools for individuals with disabilities.

  3. Limited Customization: Assistive technology devices may not be fully customizable to meet the unique needs of each individual, limiting their effectiveness.

  4. Technical Issues: Assistive technology devices and software may experience technical issues, which can be frustrating and disruptive to the user.

Advantages of AAC

  1. Enhances Communication: AAC devices and strategies enable individuals with communication difficulties to express themselves effectively, enhancing their ability to interact with others.

  2. Improves Social Interaction: AAC devices and strategies promote social interaction and inclusion, enabling individuals with communication difficulties to participate fully in social activities.

  3. Supports Learning: AAC devices and strategies support learning and skill acquisition, enabling individuals with communication difficulties to participate fully in educational activities.

  4. Reduces Frustration and Anxiety: AAC devices and strategies reduce frustration and anxiety associated with communication difficulties, enabling individuals to communicate effectively and reduce the stress associated with communication challenges.

Disadvantages of AAC

  1. Cost: AAC devices and services can be expensive, making them inaccessible to individuals who cannot afford them.

  2. Limited Availability: AAC devices and services may not be available in all locations, limiting access to these tools for individuals with communication difficulties.

  3. Technical Issues: AAC devices and software may experience technical issues, which can be frustrating and disruptive to the user.

  4. Specialized Training and Support: AAC users require specialized training and ongoing support to develop their communication skills and to ensure that their devices and strategies meet their changing needs. This can be a barrier for individuals who do not have access to these resources.

While assistive technology and AAC have numerous advantages, they also have some disadvantages. These limitations can be a barrier to access and use for some individuals. However, the benefits of assistive technology and AAC are significant and can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. It is important to continue to develop and improve these tools to make them more accessible, customizable, and effective for individuals with disabilities.

Conclusion

Assistive technology and AAC are two important concepts that support individuals with disabilities. While assistive technology encompasses a range of devices, services, and software that support individuals with disabilities, AAC specifically focuses on communication devices and strategies for individuals with complex communication needs. AAC devices and strategies enable individuals with communication difficulties to express themselves effectively, participate fully in social and educational activities, and reduce frustration and anxiety associated with communication difficulties. Overall, assistive technology and AAC play important roles in promoting independence, enhancing communication, and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.