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Augmentative & Alternative Communication: What is it? Why use it? When to use it?

What is AAC? AAC stands for augmentative alternative communication. An AAC can help children and adults with express their wants and needs when they can’t use their voice alone.

Types of AAC


AAC can be used with an unaided system or an aided system.

Unaided AAC:

Only uses the speaker’s body to help them speak with signs, gestures, or body language.

Aided AAC:

Requires the use of something supplemental to the speaker’s body like a pen and paper, picture books, communication boards, or an electronic speech-generating device that can produce simple words up to full sentences.

Who could benefit from AAC?



1. Children that have some verbal language or are working towards using spoken language.
2. Children that are not using words or their voice to speak.
3. Children and adults with apraxia, autism, or cerebral palsy.
4. Children and adults that have had a stroke, brain injury or degenerative disease that affects the use of their voice.
5. Children that have begun showing tantrum-like behaviors because they cannot tell you what they want and what they need.
 

What does AAC support and services look like at school?

LLA Therapy provides specialized AAC support to schools. It takes careful consideration, specialization, and time on behalf of an SLP to select, maintain, and provide treatment on a device for a student in need. Our AAC specialists work with teachers, students, and families handling everything from selecting, programming, training, and implementation of strategies for device use.
Are you a school interested in AAC services for your students and teachers? Click here to request more information. 
 

When considering AAC…



1. Talk to your SLP about different options for the use of AAC and if your child would be a good candidate.
2. Selecting an AAC device is a team approach and should involve both the family and the SLP.
3. Consider trying out a few different options to see which one works best for you and your child with the help of your SLP.
 

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Crystal Scheibe

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Great place, glad we found them. Been going to Medina over 2 months now and he loves Lauryn and Kyler. Wish they had more ABA therapy places available... live in Wooster and long drive everyday.

Karrie Swan LaRock

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My 11 year old son has dyslexia and has made noticeable gains in working At LLA THERAPY. Katie is strong in her approach toward him and also keeps him comfortable enough to perform well. We will continue visiting both the Fairlawn and Hudson offices and recommend them highly.

Ron Monroe

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My 9 year old just completed about 9 months of weekly speech sessions (due to his stuttering) with Matt Hagge at LLA and we are thrilled with the experience and results. What I thought might be a negative (what kid really wants to go to speech class?) was made very positive by Matt, and my son never hesitated or complained when we talked about class. He really enjoyed it and really took what Matt taught him to heart. His speech has been greatly improved and we definitely recommend LLA. Thank you so much!

Heather Dougherty-Pantoja

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My son’s Occupational Therapist, Jess, is an amazing OT! She gives practical tips on working with my son at home and school!

Terri Apgar

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I cannot say enough good things about LLA Therapy. My daughter was a client of Teal Simmons’ for approximately 2 years and was just released from speech therapy! She was diagnosed with Apraxia in 2015 and worked with Teal twice a week. Through Teal’s application of PROMPT therapy, my daughter had age-appropriate speech after one year. All of the staff we interacted with at LLA were absolutely wonderful. They really care about what they do and making sure your child achieves their goals.

Kelli Geisler Davisson

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for my son as well as my family! My son always asks, "When can I go see Ms. Jeannine again, is it Monday??" He has also made huge gains in only 5 months! I would highly recommend LLA and have already shared my experience with friends looking for services!

Victoria Hansford-Price

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We are so grateful for our Speech Therapist Ms.Teal. We have seen a great improvement with our sons confidence and communication abilities since we have started "Prompt" therapy. What we love the most about LLA and Ms. Teal is that Kohl feels comfortable and relaxed which has played a critical role in his progress. Thank you Ms. Teal for all you have done.

Laura Lee Hogsett

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They have helped in numerous ways. Speech, OT and behavioral. I've had numerous compliments on my son's progress thanks in very large part to LLA. I would recommend LLA before I recommend our local children's hospitals, though they are good, they don't have the staff that LLA does.

Amy Furukawa

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We had a great experience with Matt Hagge at LLA! Our Middle School age son was becoming very conscious of his voice, which is nasal due to a cleft palate. Matt helped him to better form his sounds and project his voice in a way that makes the unavoidable nasality less noticeable.Our son is more confident and outgoing & even took on a speaking role in the church play. Matt has the perfect personality to relate with our son, and we would recommend him to anyone needing speech therapy services!

Jessica Havalotti

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for our daughter. I would highly recommend LLA. Miss Grace was so amazing and I can't believe how quickly our daughter showed improvement. Thank you!
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