{"id":38875,"date":"2023-11-14T11:03:39","date_gmt":"2023-11-14T11:03:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/?page_id=38875"},"modified":"2025-02-26T16:24:13","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T16:24:13","slug":"communication-aids","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/technology\/communication-aids\/","title":{"rendered":"Communication aids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Communication aids are designed to support people who have difficulties with speaking or understanding what is being said to them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This might include people who are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/autism\/\">autistic<\/a>, or who have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/cerebral-palsy\/\">cerebral palsy<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/learning-disabilities\/\">learning disabilities<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-0151-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A desk with a computer with assistive technology.\" class=\"wp-image-66275\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-0151-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-0151-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-0151-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-0151-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-0151-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-0151.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We all might use gestures and expressions naturally to enhance our communication. For example, you might raise your coffee cup in someone\u2019s direction while asking if they want a cup of coffee \u2013 and they might give you a thumbs up, to show that they do!<\/p>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box  ctaBox    is-style-textured-secondary-tint-10  align-right  size-medium\">\n    <div class=\"ctaBox__row\">\n      <div class=\"ctaBox__content\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get our emails in your inbox<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Join over 87,000 others, and be part of the movement driving change for disabled people. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"ctaBox__cta\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/get-our-emails-in-your-inbox\/\" class=\"button  button--primary\">Sign up now<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Communication aids, or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, are specific methods that are useful for people with complex needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find out more about the different types of communication aid available, and how to choose one that\u2019s right for you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On this page:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-secondary-bullets\">\n<li><a href=\"#what\">What are communication aids?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#whataac\">What is augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)?<\/a>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#whoaac\">Who is AAC for?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#unaided\">Unaided communication<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#aided\">Aided communication<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#aacdevice\">What is an AAC device?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#types\">Types of communication aids<\/a>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#electronic\">Electronic AAC<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#paperbased\">Paper-based AAC<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#communicationaidsexamples\">Communication aids examples<\/a>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#vocas\">Voice output communication aids (VOCAs)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#pecs\">Picture exchange communication system (PECS)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#books\">Communication books<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#etran\">E-tran frames<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#software\">Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) software and apps<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#choosing\">Choosing a communication aid that works for you<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what\"><strong>What are communication aids?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Communication aids are anything that helps someone to communicate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This includes everything from bespoke technological devices, to picture books.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Communication aids are often used by people with learning disabilities, autism and other disabilities who struggle to communicate by speaking.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might hear communication aids referred to as AAC devices. AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whataac\"><strong>What is augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is any kind of communication that falls outside of typical spoken communication.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AAC might also be referred to as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/communication\/non-formal-communication\/\">non-formal communication<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whoaac\"><strong>Who is AAC for?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Augmentative and alternative communication strategies can be used by anyone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We all use ways of communicating beyond spoken language. For example, you might point to something, or give a \u201cthumbs-up\u201d sign. These are both examples of augmentative and alternative communication.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Often, AAC devices or communication aids are used by people who are non-speaking. This might include people with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/autism\/\">Autism<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/learning-disabilities\/\">Learning disabilities<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/cerebral-palsy\/\">Cerebral palsy<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/deafblindness\/\">Multi-sensory impairment\/deafblindness<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>AAC is often categorised as either \u201caided\u201d or \u201cunaided\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"unaided\"><strong>Unaided communication<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This kind of communication is anything that only uses the body. You don\u2019t need any extra tools or devices for unaided communication.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This type of communication might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-secondary-bullets\">\n<li>Gestures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Body language<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facial expressions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Signing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aided\"><strong>Aided communication<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This kind of communication uses the tools, objects or devices known as communication aids.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Pictures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Symbols<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communication boards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communication books<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AAC devices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aacdevice\"><strong>What is an AAC device?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An AAC device is a device that has been designed to help a person to communicate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It might be a non-electronic item like a book or picture cards.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It might be an electronic device that helps a person to express themselves using voice output.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or it could be an app or a piece of software installed on a mobile phone, computer or tablet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types\"><strong>Types of communication aids<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Communication aids or AAC devices can come in many different forms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Broadly, they are split into two categories.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"electronic\"><strong>Electronic AAC devices<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Electronic AAC devices are purpose-made bits of assistive technology that support people to communicate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This could be a tablet or device that a non-speaking person uses solely to communicate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or it could be an app or piece of software that runs on a phone or tablet.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"paperbased\"><strong>Paper-based AAC devices<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Paper-based AAC devices include anything that isn\u2019t electronic, but does support someone to communicate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It might be a communication board or book, or a set of picture exchange communication system (PECS) cards.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"communicationaidsexamples\"><strong>Communication aids examples<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These are some common examples of communication aids used by people with complex disabilities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vocas\"><strong>Voice output communication aids (VOCAs)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Voice output communication aids (or VOCAs) are devices that allow non-speaking people to communicate with speech.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A VOCA is an example of an <strong>electronic AAC device<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It looks a bit like an iPad, or another kind of tablet. The user clicks on letters or pictures either on buttons or a touch screen. The VOCA says what they\u2019ve clicked on out loud.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are lots of different types of VOCA available. Some of them use a synthesised (not real) voice, while others might use a recorded real voice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/blog\/voca-how-i-get-on-with-my-communication-aid\/\">Read Maria\u2019s review of what it\u2019s like to use her VOCA.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pecs\"><strong>Picture exchange communication system (PECS)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The picture exchange communication system, also known as PECS, is a way of communicating using simple pictures.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s an example of a <strong>paper-based AAC device<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The pictures and symbols are printed on cards, which can be used to communicate. Often, it\u2019s used as a way of making requests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, a child might hand a PECS card featuring a picture of an apple on it to their carer. In return, the carer would give them an apple.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes people put their PECS cards in a book, called a PECS book or a communication book.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"books\"><strong>Communication books<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A communication book is a special book or ring binder that has symbols and pictures inside it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a type of <strong>paper-based AAC device<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pointing to the symbols and pictures in the book can be a way for non-speaking people to communicate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every communication book is unique, as it will contain symbols and pictures that are relevant to the person who uses it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some might have lots of pictures in them, and others might only have a few.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"etran\"><strong>E-tran frames<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>E-tran frames are plastic sheets that can have pictures or symbols stuck onto them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People can then point with their eyes to the pictures, symbols, letters, numbers and words in order to communicate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>E-tran frames are a type of <strong>paper-based AAC device<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"software\"><strong>Augmentative and alternative communication software and apps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people use apps that they can install on their phone or table to communicate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These apps are another example of <strong>electronic AAC devices<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The apps might work similarly to AAC devices like VOCAs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, there is an app called TouchChat which allows you to click on symbols and pictures, and will then say those words out loud.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"choosing\"><strong>Choosing a communication aid that works for you<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before choosing any communication aids to support someone with communication needs, you should get a full assessment from a speech and language therapist.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Professional support is always useful before you choose a specialist device.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An assessment will cover the person\u2019s motor, cognitive, language and communication strengths and weaknesses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.communicationmatters.org.uk\/what-is-aac\/types-of-aac\/\">Communication Matters have more in-depth information about the different types of communication aids available.&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This includes information about suppliers, possible funding sources for specialist computer systems and communication aids, IT support and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box  ctaBox    is-style-textured-secondary-tint-10\">\n    <div class=\"ctaBox__row\">\n      <div class=\"ctaBox__content\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Support from Sense<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;re here for people with complex disabilities and their families all over the UK. 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