Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is an area of clinical and educational practice that falls within the scope of practice for Speech–Language pathologists. The term augmentative refers to supplementing, and alternative implies replacement of natural speech, writing, or both. People with a wide range of developmental or acquired disabilities that result in limited to no functional speech across the lifespan can benefit from using AAC, either temporarily or permanently. Published reports of prevalence indicate that about 1.2% to 1.5% of the population in English-speaking Western countries are candidates for AAC intervention because of severe speech, language, and writing impairments. The entry discusses AAC methods and techniques used to [Page 241]facilitate communication in persons with severe speech and language impairment.

Developmental disabilities associated with AAC needs include ...