10/08/2025
October is AAC Awareness Month: What Every Parent Should Know
When you hear âAAC,â you might think of high-tech speech devices with voices that sound like Siri. And yes, those are part of it. But AAC - Augmentative and Alternative Communication is so much more. Itâs any tool that helps a child communicate when spoken words alone arenât enough. That could be a picture exchange system, a sign, a gesture, or a speech-generating device.
For parents of kids with IEPs, AAC can sometimes feel overwhelming or even intimidating. Maybe youâve been told your child âisnât readyâ for AAC, or you worry that using it will hold back speech development. The truth is, research consistently shows the opposite: AAC supports communication growth and often strengthens spoken language skills.
Hereâs whatâs most important to remember:
-Every child has the right to communicate. Waiting until speech develops âenoughâ can mean valuable time lost.
-AAC is not a last resort. Itâs a bridge helping your child connect, share, and be heard right now.
-Parents are powerful advocates. If you believe your child could benefit from AAC, bring it up in the IEP meeting. Ask about evaluations, trials, and training.
This month is about awareness, but itâs also about empowerment. AAC isnât about replacing voices, it's about giving children every possible way to have a voice.
Maybe the question isnât âIs my child ready for AAC?â but rather, âIs my child ready to be heard?â
Does your child have assistive technology in their IEP? What kind of progress has your child made with AT?
Join our fb group today for more tips and tricks for the IEP and 504 Process!
IEP, 504 & Parent Advocacy - Education Advocates of America