Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): A Guide for NDIS Families

Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC, covers any tool or strategy that supports someone to communicate beyond speech alone, from a simple picture board to a speech-generating device. This article looks at how AAC is assessed, chosen and funded for NDIS participants and their families.

What Is AAC and Who Might Use It?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC, is a term for any tool or strategy that supports someone to communicate beyond speech alone. It might be used alongside spoken words or as the main way a person expresses themselves. AAC covers everything from a simple laminated picture card to a tablet running specialised communication software.

Children and adults use AAC for many reasons - some are still developing spoken language, some have a physical condition that affects speech clearly, and some communicate more reliably or with less fatigue using a visual or device-based system. There's no single profile of an "AAC user." The right fit depends entirely on the individual's communication goals, motor skills, cognition and daily environment, which is why a proper assessment matters more than picking a device off a recommendation list.

Low-Tech vs High-Tech AAC: What's the Difference?

Low-tech AAC includes tools that don't need batteries or software - picture exchange systems like PECS, communication boards, flip books, and key word signing. These are often inexpensive, quick to set up, always available, and easy for family members and teachers to use straight away. Many people start here, and some continue using low-tech tools for life, either as their main system or as a reliable backup when technology isn't available.

High-tech AAC refers to speech-generating devices (SGDs) and communication apps on tablets or dedicated hardware. These can offer a larger vocabulary, voice output, and the ability to grow with a person's language skills over time. They can be powerful, but they also require charging, maintenance, and ongoing programming as vocabulary needs change.

Neither option is automatically "better." Many AAC users benefit from a mix of both, and a speech pathologist will usually recommend starting with what's practical and building from there rather than jumping straight to the most complex option.

How a Speech Pathologist Assesses AAC Needs

An AAC assessment is more than a single appointment. A speech pathologist typically looks at current communication skills, comprehension, motor and vision abilities, literacy level, and the communication demands of home, school or work. They'll also consider the views of the person themselves wherever possible, along with family and educators who know their communication style day to day.

Assessment often includes trialling a few different low-tech and high-tech options over several sessions, rather than deciding on day one. This trial period matters - what works well in a clinic room doesn't always translate to a noisy classroom or a busy family dinner table, so real-world testing is valuable.

The end result is usually a written report recommending a specific system or a short list of options, along with the reasoning behind it. This report becomes the key document used to support any NDIS funding request.

Funding an AAC Device Through Your NDIS Plan

AAC devices and supports are generally funded as "Assistive Technology" under the NDIS, and like all NDIS supports, they need to meet the "reasonable and necessary" criteria. There's no fixed or guaranteed funding amount for AAC; every request is assessed individually based on the participant's plan and circumstances.

In practice, this usually means your speech pathologist's assessment report and recommendation go to the NDIS (or your plan manager/support coordinator helps compile this) alongside a quote for the recommended device or system. Higher-cost items, like dedicated speech-generating devices, often require more detailed reports than simpler low-tech tools.

If a request is knocked back or funded differently than expected, you can ask for the decision to be reviewed - your planner, support coordinator or the speech pathologist can advise on that process.

Supporting AAC Use at Home and School

A device or picture system only helps if it's used consistently across all the places a person communicates - not just in therapy sessions. Practical steps include keeping the AAC tool within reach at all times, modelling its use yourselves by pointing to symbols or pressing buttons as you talk, and giving the person time to respond rather than jumping in with a spoken answer. Speech pathologists often recommend "aided language input" as one of the most effective ways to build familiarity.

Schools should ideally have a communication plan that matches what's used at home, and it's reasonable to ask for AAC training for teachers or aides supporting your child. Regular check-ins with your speech pathologist help make sure the vocabulary keeps pace with the person's needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): A Guide for NDIS Families

Does using AAC stop a child from developing spoken language?

Current evidence generally does not support this concern, and many speech pathologists note AAC can complement rather than replace developing speech. Every person's situation is different, so this is best discussed directly with your speech pathologist based on individual assessment.

How long does an AAC device trial usually take?

This varies depending on the person and the system being trialled, but it often spans several sessions over some weeks rather than a single appointment. Your speech pathologist can give you a clearer timeframe once they know which options are being considered.

Can we choose our own AAC app or device without an assessment?

You can explore options yourself, but NDIS funding for AAC generally requires a speech pathologist's assessment and recommendation to demonstrate the support is reasonable and necessary. It's worth discussing any app or device you're interested in with your speech pathologist before purchasing.

What happens if our NDIS plan doesn't cover the full cost of a recommended device?

Funding decisions are made individually and there's no guaranteed amount for any AAC support. If a request is only partly funded or declined, you can seek a plan review with support from your speech pathologist, plan manager or support coordinator.

Do we need a new assessment every time our child's plan is reviewed?