AAC Devices and Apps: What They Are and How Speech Therapy Supports Use

If you’re googling AAC devices and apps, you’re probably trying to answer one question:

What will actually help someone communicate day to day?

Because here’s the tricky part: the “best” AAC app or device isn’t the one with the most features—it’s the one a person can access, understand, and use consistently in real life.

That’s where speech therapy comes in.

What are AAC devices and apps?

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication—tools and strategies that help someone communicate when speech is hard, inconsistent, or not available.

AAC devices and apps are typically forms of high-tech AAC, meaning they use technology to:

• display words/symbols
• generate speech output (“talking”)
• support language building (from simple choices to full sentences)

Some people use an AAC app on a tablet. Others use a dedicated speech-generating device. Many use technology alongside low-tech supports (like a communication board) as part of a multimodal communication plan.

Note: If you’re after more help on whether AAC is the right strategy for someone close to you, read more over on AAC Therapy Explained: How alternative communication helps people be heard.

Who can benefit from AAC technology?

AAC devices and apps may help children, teens, or adults who:

• use few spoken words, or aren’t talking yet
• are hard to understand (even to familiar people)
• lose speech under stress, fatigue, illness, or sensory overload
• have motor speech challenges (like apraxia or dysarthria)
• have acquired communication changes (like after stroke or brain injury)
• need a reliable way to communicate across home, school, work, and community

AAC is not “all or nothing.” Some people use an AAC device as their main voice. Others use it as a backup or support in certain situations.

Types of AAC technology (and how they differ)

AAC technology isn’t one category. The right setup depends on the person’s access needs, language level, and daily environments.

1) Tablet-based AAC apps

These are apps that turn a tablet into a communication system, often with:

• symbols and/or text
• core vocabulary layouts
• the ability to build phrases and sentences
• speech output

Pros: portable, familiar device, flexible
Considerations: requires setup, consistent modeling, device management (charging, durability, distractions)

2) Dedicated speech-generating devices (SGDs)

These are devices designed specifically for communication. They can be more durable and may offer:

• stronger speakers
• dedicated access options
• fewer distractions than a general tablet

Pros: communication-first design, often more robust
Considerations: still needs customization + training, can be costly depending on funding pathway

3) Text-to-speech apps and tools

For people who can type or spell, text-based AAC can be a great fit. Examples include:

• typing to speak
• predictive text supports
• phrase banks for quick messages

Pros: efficient for literate users, flexible vocabulary
Considerations: typing speed, fatigue, fine motor access

4) Alternative access methods (the “how” of using AAC)

For many people, the key question isn’t “which app” but how they’ll access it, such as:

• direct touch
• switch scanning
• partner-assisted scanning
• eye gaze
• keyguards or styluses
• adapted mounting/positioning

Access is often the make-or-break factor for successful AAC use.

What AAC can help someone communicate (beyond basic needs)

A common misconception is that AAC is only for “wants” and “needs.” In reality, AAC supports the full range of communication, including:

• social connection (“tell me about your day”)
• opinions (“I don’t like that”)
• questions (“why?” “where?”)
• storytelling
• school/work participation
• self-advocacy (“I need a break”)
• humor and personality

A good AAC plan makes room for more than requests—it supports a real voice.

How speech therapy supports AAC device and app use

AAC success is rarely about buying the right device. It’s about creating a system that works in real life—and that usually requires guidance.

1) AAC evaluation: matching tools to the person

An SLP can help clarify:

• what communication goals matter most
• which AAC features are necessary vs overwhelming
• how the person will access the system (touch, switches, eye gaze, etc.)
• what vocabulary layout makes sense now and can expand later

Often, SLPs use trials—trying options before committing.

2) Setting up vocabulary that works in daily life

A strong AAC system usually includes:

• core words (high-use words like go, stop, help, want, more)
• personal words (names, favorites, routines)
• quick phrases for everyday moments

Speech therapy helps avoid a common trap: a device full of words the person never uses.

3) Teaching functional communication (not “device drills”)

SLPs aim to build communication in real moments:

• making choices at snack time
• asking for help
• joining play
• participating in class
• navigating transitions
• managing big feelings

AAC becomes useful when it works in daily routines—not just in therapy.

4) Partner training: the hidden key to AAC progress

This is where a lot of progress happens.

Speech therapy often includes coaching families, teachers, and support staff to:

• model AAC while speaking (so the person sees how it’s used)
• slow down and wait for responses
• respond to all communication attempts
• keep AAC accessible (within reach, charged, ready)

AAC grows fastest in environments where partners consistently support it.

5) Updating the system over time

Needs change. Language grows. Environments change.

An SLP can help with:

• expanding vocabulary
• adjusting layout for easier navigation
• increasing independence and spontaneous use
• refining access methods
• problem-solving barriers (device refusal, overwhelm, inconsistent use)

Common reasons AAC devices “don’t work” (and how to avoid them)

If someone has tried AAC and it didn’t stick, it usually isn’t because AAC “isn’t for them.” Common reasons include:

• the device wasn’t set up for the person’s access needs
• vocabulary didn’t match daily life
• the system was too complex (or too limited)
• there wasn’t enough modeling by communication partners
• the tool wasn’t consistently available
• expectations were unrealistic early on

A supportive Speech-language pathologist can help troubleshoot these issues and help with a strategy to move forward. Find an AAC supporting speech pathologist near you.

Photo by stem.T4L on Unsplash