Communication Disability, Access and inclusion: What we do
Each year we celebrate AAC Awareness Month in October.
Join us in spreading the word and making communication accessible for everyone!
Supporting people with communication disability is at our core.
We have a number of free tools and a wealth of information on the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and raising awareness of communication disability for people who use little or no speech.
DDWA is working to improve information and advice for people with developmental disability who have communication disability (complex communication support needs), and for their families and supporters.
What does AAC mean? (image 1: left, above)
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a way to enhance one’s communication, i.e., augment, as well as serve as an alternative means of communication: the back-and-forth exchange of messages.
Why is AAC important to know about? (image 2: centre, above)
- Many people consider communication as ‘talking’; however, our types of communicative interactions can take many forms!
- For people with communication disability (who use little or no speech), AAC systems can provide increased access for people to express their thoughts, needs, wants and ideas effectively.
Examples of AAC: (image 3: right, above)
- No tech AAC: sign language
- Low tech AAC: communication book/board
- Mid tech AAC: communication switch/button
- High tech AAC: speech generating device, eye gaze communication device…
Source of images and content: @CommunicationCommunity
People with communication disability can be helped through a range of different print and symbol-based materials, and on our website you will find a range of different resources in different formats.
Check out our many FREE AAC resources and information on our website under
Our Projects: Communication Disability, Access and Inclusion and Focus Areas: Communication.
See below for links to videos demonstrating:
- the use of a high tech eye gaze (as well as direct access medelling from communication partner) and mid tech communication book
- An explainer video on how to use “Help with Decision Making Story Card “how and why to use them”, and
- A video that demonstrates the use of a “Talking Mat” approach in conversation with Jessica, a person with Down Syndrome (including intellectual and communication disability).