Why AAC Devices Matter for Trisomy 18

What is an AAC Device?

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. “Augmentative” means adding to a person’s communication ability, while “Alternative” means using a different communication method. Many of our kids need alternative communication methods, like eye gaze or touch devices. These resources will help you learn about the tools available and how they work, so our kids can better communicate with the world around them.

What are AAC Devices?

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. “Augmentative” means adding to a person’s communication ability, while “Alternative” means using a different communication method. Many of our kids need alternative communication methods, like eye gaze or touch devices. These resources will help you learn about the tools available and how they work, so our kids can better communicate with the world around them.

Here is an informative link about the AAC world and what it entails:

https://exploreaac.com/

AAC Eye-Gaze Companies:

  1. PRC- Saltillo – https://www.prc-saltillo.com/
  2. Tobii Dynavox – https://www.tobii.com/
  3. Control Bionics – https://www.controlbionics.com/

Resource Links:

  1. Tobii Dynavox information – https://us.tobiidynavox.com/
  2. PRC- Saltillo information https://www.prentrom.com/ 
  3.  Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display (PODD) – https://novitatech.com.au/podd-communication-books/
  4. Tobii Dynavox Software https://us.tobiidynavox.com/pages/td-snap-core-first
  5. Tobii Special Education Platform – https://goboardmaker.com/
  6. AAC Information https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/
  7. Enabling Devices https://enablingdevices.com/product-category/communication-devices/
  8. Modeling AAC Devices https://www.assistiveware.com/learn-aac/start-modeling

AAC devices:

  1. Accent 1400
  2. Tobii Dynavox
  3. Novachat

This is a list of a few options that are available to assist with communication and most commonly used in the Edwards’ Syndrome community. If your child uses a different device we would love to hear from you and learn more.

Trisomy Children who benefit from the use of AAC Devices are ones with:

  1. Neurological Conditions due to the genetic condition
  2. Autism
  3. Aphasia
  4. Cerebral Palsy
  5. Stroke