Unaided AAC
What is Unaided AAC?
Unaided AAC systems are systems that do not use materials, devices or tools to facilitate the system working.
Unaided AAC systems relies on the use of the individuals hands, arms, body posture and/or face movements as a means to express their meaning to their communication partner.
Unaided AAC systems often work well for individuals who have good control of their motor control skills but who cannot rely on their verbal language.
Communication partners need to have the knowledge to understand or interpret the intended message for these systems to be effective.
Examples of Unaided AAC systems include manual signs, gesture and facial expression.
References:
Bashinski, S. M., Braddock, B. A., & Lloyd, L. L. (2023). Unaided AAC Components. In Principles and Practices in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (1st ed., pp. 135–169). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003525905-10
Frolli, A., Ciotola, S., Esposito, C., Fraschetti, S., Ricci, M. C., Cerciello, F., & Russo, M. G. (2022). AAC and Autism: Manual Signs and Pecs, a Comparison. Behavioral Sciences, 12(10), 359. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12100359
Moorcroft, A., Scarinci, N., & Meyer, C. (2019). A systematic review of the barriers and facilitators to the provision and use of low-tech and unaided AAC systems for people with complex communication needs and their families. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 14(7), 710-731. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2018.1499135