AAC Awareness Month

Every child has something to say.

AAC Awareness Month: Every child has something to say.

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication: the tools and strategies that help people who are nonspeaking or have limited speech share their thoughts, needs, and personalities. AAC can include speech-generating devices and tablet apps, picture boards and communication books, sign language, and gestures.

AAC doesn’t replace speech or stop a child from talking. It gives every child a voice, and that voice deserves to be heard.

How You Can Support AAC Users

  • Presume competence. Talk directly to the child, not around them.
  • Wait. Give extra time to respond. Composing a message takes time.
  • Model it. Use the child’s AAC system yourself while you talk, so they see how it works.
  • Keep it close. A child’s AAC is their voice. It should always be within reach.
  • Celebrate every message. All communication counts.

At every 4C Pop-Up Play, our Sign & Connect zone offers ASL and visual communication supports so every child has a way to be understood.

Help us make every month a month of belonging. Volunteer, donate, or partner with us.