Compass is still being developed and is effectively in beta. Some content and features may be incomplete, change, or not work as expected.

Content is anchored to trusted sources where available, but Compass has not yet been clinically reviewed. It provides general information rather than medical advice.

Feedback helps us identify gaps, errors, usability problems and opportunities to improve Compass over time.

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Speech, swallowing and communication

AAC

Augmentative and alternative communication

Any way of communicating that adds to speech or replaces it, from a written chart to a computer that speaks.

What it means

An umbrella term rather than one device. Augmentative means adding to speech that still works; alternative means standing in for it. It covers pointing at letters on a board, typing on a phone, and a computer controlled by eye movements alike.

Why you might hear it

  • It is the phrase used for referrals and for funding applications.
  • A speech pathologist may use it while comparing options.

People who may help

Where Compass goes into this

About this explanation

These are plain explanations of words you may come across, not advice about your own situation. Where a word matters to a decision, the question pages go into it properly, and your own team is the place to take it.