What Is an Augmentative and Alternative (AAC) Device?

An augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, is a tablet or laptop that helps someone with a speech or language impairment to communicate. The term AAC device is often used interchangeably with terms like speech-generating device (SGD) or assistive communication device or simply communication device. AAC devices help users to communicate through a combination of words, sentences, and images that the device then “says out loud.” Additionally, users can also communicate by typing or drawing, sharing pictures and videos, or even repeating words they hear out loud.

Learn About Lingraphica AAC Devices

Lingraphica AAC devices allow you to communicate in five different ways. Improves speech and comprehension through activities, videos, and quizzes. And allows you to connect with others online or in person. Learn more and get a free consultation.

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What Are the Benefits of AAC Devices?

AAC devices have many benefits that have been shown both in research and in the success stories told by device users and their families. The most immediate benefit is improved communication, which is associated with:

Increased independence for everyday activities

Ability to better participate in day-to-day life

Fewer communication breakdowns

Better connection with family and friends

AAC devices also provide therapeutic benefits. Simply using a device has been shown to improve language skills and many individuals experience an increase in verbal speech. Lingraphica AAC devices also offer activities, videos, and quizzes that can improve speech and cognition.

Finally, AAC devices are beneficial to the user’s caregiver and family members since it allows the user to be more independent and reduces the burden on others.

Four Ways to Express Yourself

Because no two people are alike, Hub’s apps make it easy for people of various ages and a wide range of abilities to communicate.

Talk

Talk is a simple, yet powerful communication and language app that allows users to communicate by tapping cards that are instantly spoken aloud. Users can easily create and personalize cards to express their thoughts and needs. Add audio recordings, videos, photos, and web URLs for a more dynamic communication experience.

Type

Type is an intuitive text-to-speech app that allows users to type messages on the fly and have them spoken aloud. Highlighting options make it easier to follow along and can easily accommodate users with visual impairments. With Type, users can communicate quickly and confidently with just a few taps.

Draw

Draw is an easy-to-use whiteboard app that allows users to communicate and express themselves visually. Users can draw and handwrite messages, add their own pictures, or use pictures from the web. This versatile app provides a therapeutic outlet for users and encourages creativity and self-expression.

Media

Media is a comprehensive app that allows users to access their photos, videos, audio recordings, and drawings in one place. Users can quickly and easily swipe through their pictures to share their most recent experiences or reuse drawings for frequently used messages. This app offers engaging ways to communicate, reflect on therapeutic progress, and reminisce on memories to stay connected with loved ones.

Built-In Therapy

Unlock your communication potential with Therapy: a vast library of interactive exercises and videos designed for transformative speech and language improvement.

Therapy

Therapy is an influential tool that provides access to thousands of exercises designed to enhance cognition, speech, and language. With hundreds of videos for articulation, oral-motor, and swallowing, users can focus on exercises of their choice or those assigned by a clinician. Therapy offers a comprehensive solution for speech and language evolution.

News

News delivers the latest stories from around the world to your device, read aloud with highlighting options for easy comprehension. With access to national, world, business, education, entertainment, health and lifestyle, science and technology, and history articles, users can stay informed and test their comprehension with an optional quiz after each article.

An Entire Community At Your Fingertips

Communication impairments are isolating. Find the support of thousands of others and their caregivers directly from Hub.

The Aphasia Community

The Aphasia Community is a safe place for people with aphasia, their support network, and the professionals who serve them. You can create a  community profile. You can add your profile picture, update your location, share your story, and introduce yourself in the forums. We hope you find comfort, understanding, and support.

Virtual Connections

Connect with hundreds of individuals with aphasia and their loved ones from anywhere in the world. Live online meetups facilitated by speech-language pathologists and other aphasia experts are available 7 days a week for FREE!

Tell Everyone the Story of You

Use Hub's flexible design to tailor your story with the precision of personal touch.

With little or no training, users can easily add cards, words, phrases, images, and videos that help to tell their story. Create a small set of cards or add as many as they need to make it easier and faster to communicate.

Designed With You in Mind

Personalized paths to express your individual journey, in your own way.

Hub’s modern, mobile design can be easily customized for the needs of all users. High-quality voice and language options allow users to fully personalize their communication.

A Lifetime of Support from Experts

Personal coaching session are available for device users and their communication circle.

Hub is simple and easy to use. But should you ever need help, we are available to answer questions and provide whatever help you need. Free communication coaching sessions are available on your schedule. Work directly with a Lingraphica SLP on getting the most out of Hub.

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Who Can Benefit From Using An AAC Device?

Individuals of various ages and a variety of speech and language impairments can benefit from using AAC devices. To learn more about how you can use an AAC device with a specific kind of communication impairment, visit the links below.

Are AAC Devices Complicated to Learn or Use?

Some AAC devices can be complex and difficult to learn and customize. However, Lingraphica devices are designed to be simple and easy to use. With little or no training, you can easily add icons, words, phrases, images, and videos. Or simply take advantage of the icons that are readily available by tapping on them the moment you power your device on.

Can People with Physical Limitations Use AAC Devices?

Yes. Although it is easy to interact with a device using a touchscreen or keyboard and mouse, there are dozens of available accessories that can help to improve device accessibility.

Does an AAC Device Have to Be Used All the Time?

The short answer is no, you don’t have to use the device all the time. Verbal speech is always encouraged. Additionally, there may be times when a gesture can be faster than using a device. However, an AAC device is great tool to have in your toolbox for communicating complex messages, particularly to people with whom you are less familiar. This can help make you more independent.

Does Using an AAC Device Delay Speech?

Research shows that the opposite is true. Using a device can have a positive impact on speech and language skills. Many users report an increase in speech after they start using an AAC device. This is because devices offer stimulation that can help language recovery or acquisition.

Do I Need an AAC Device If Others Can Somewhat Understand Me?

At times, you might be able to communicate certain words and phrases clearly. However, at other times you may get stuck and be unable to communicate the right words or complex thoughts and stories. In these cases, an AAC device can be very helpful by allowing you to use more meaningful words and phrases to share important messages.

Will an AAC Device Fix All of My Communication Problems?

Although AAC devices can greatly improve communication, it doesn’t mean you won’t experience communication breakdowns periodically. Some tips to make using an AAC device as beneficial as possible include:

  • Personalize the device. Be sure to include names, objects, places, things, and phrases that matter to you. Include pictures and videos.
  • Create stories in the device. Share stories and anecdotes from your life with those around you.
  • Involve family, friends, and caregivers. The more people who learn to use the device and can support you, the better.
  • Know some of the common signs that you are using your AAC device successfully.

One Powerful All-In-One Device, Three Different Sizes

Our newest device.

A large tablet with a brilliant display and LTE capabilities.

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Our most popular device.

A mid-size tablet with excellent battery life and portability.

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Our smallest device.

A small tablet that is ultra-portable and extremely lightweight.

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Find Out If A Speech-Generating Device is Right For You or A Loved One

Call 866-570-8775 or click the button below to schedule a consultation.