Discover 4 tips for navigating speech therapy with middle and high school students from one of eLuma's own SLPs.
Augmentative & Alternative Communication Therapy
eLuma helps students expand their ability to express themselves.
Augmentative & Alternative Communication with eLuma
eLuma offers unparalleled online speech therapy solutions for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). We know that the key to helping these students is to first see and then unlock their incredible potential, but it all starts with their ability to communicate. Our speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can provide all of the same required services live and online, through a fully-secure, HIPAA-compliant platform, as they can in person — and can do so with a high degree of effectiveness, efficiency and flexibility. We love working with these kids and find great satisfaction in seeing them progress and succeed thanks to alternative communication and augmentative therapy.
What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to systems or devices that are used to supplement or replace verbal speech. AAC systems allow students with significant impairments in speech and/or language abilities to communicate effectively. Augmentative communication supports existing speech, while alternative communication methods replace speech that is non-functional or absent.
There are a variety of AAC systems available that are either aided or unaided, and vary in their level of technology.
Aided AAC systems use a tool or device to assist with communication.
Examples of aided systems include:
- Low-tech: Pencil and paper, picture boards
- High-tech: Computer-based programs, speech-generating devices
Unaided AAC systems require no external devices.
Examples of unaided systems include:
- Sign language
- Use of facial expressions, body language, and gestures
Treating Augmentative & Alternative Communication
eLuma’s online Speech-language Pathologists play a key role in screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of children with AAC communication needs. In the school setting, the SLP works in collaboration with school administration, general and special education teachers, other related service providers, and families to ensure that students with AAC needs are able to effectively communicate within the school environment in order to access their education and meet their goals.
Sources:
For more information on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), check out the following resources available from the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association:
Get a Free Consultation
If you have questions about online school based speech therapy and how it works, we invite you to check out our Why Online Therapy and How Online Therapy Works pages to learn more about how effective, affordable, and popular it really is.
If you want to learn more about how eLuma’s online speech therapy services can help your school district, we’re happy to provide a free consultation to talk through your specific needs.
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