October is AAC Awareness Month, making it a timely opportunity to talk about something that matters every day: AAC for adults with developmental disabilities and the right to communicate.
Communication is much more than spoken words. Adults may communicate through gestures, pictures, communication boards, writing, tablets, speech-generating devices, signs, or a combination of methods.
In fact, the 2026 AAC Awareness Month theme is “AAC in Everyday Life: Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond.” This year, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association highlights how communication boards in places such as parks and libraries can help people with limited or unreliable speech communicate in everyday settings.
What Is AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes methods and tools that support or supplement spoken communication.
For example, AAC can be as simple as pointing to a picture or as advanced as using a speech-generating device.
Common examples include:
- Picture and symbol cards
- Communication boards
- Gestures and signs
- Written words
- Tablets and communication apps
- Speech-generating devices
Most importantly, AAC should fit the individual. A communication system that works well for one adult may not be appropriate for another.
In addition, research specifically involving adults with developmental disabilities has studied aided AAC interventions across linguistic, social, operational, and strategic communication skills. Although the adult evidence base remains limited, a recent scoping review of AAC interventions for adults found that outcomes in existing studies were largely positive.
Why AAC for Adults with Developmental Disabilities Matters
Being able to communicate affects almost every part of adult life.
It can mean expressing:
- “I want that.”
- “I don’t like this.”
- “I need a break.”
- “I’m hungry.”
- “I want to go somewhere else.”
- “I need help.”
- “I have something to say.”
Therefore, AAC is not simply about completing tasks. It can support choice, relationships, personal identity, community participation, and greater control over everyday experiences.
Recent research on adults with developmental disabilities who use AAC identifies meaningful activities, friendships and relationships, access to services, and community living as important areas where communication support matters. Families and professionals can learn more from this research on AAC and meaningful adult participation.
AAC Is More Than a Device
It is easy to imagine AAC as an app on a tablet. However, communication can be multimodal.
For example, an adult might use a few spoken words, point to pictures, make gestures, type on a phone, use facial expressions, and select symbols on a communication device—sometimes within the same conversation.
The goal is not to force one method. Instead, communication partners should recognize and support the methods that work for the individual.
Virginia’s person-centered practices reflect the same principle: people should be listened to, their choices should be respected, and support should help them exercise informed choice and control over decisions that affect their lives. The Virginia DBHDS Support Coordination Handbook provides additional information about person-centered developmental disability services.
Simple Ways to Support AAC in Everyday Life
Supporting AAC for adults with developmental disabilities does not mean turning every interaction into a lesson.
Often, small changes make communication easier.
Give Enough Time
Some AAC users need additional time to understand a question, locate a symbol, type a response, or organize what they want to communicate.
Pause and allow the person to finish.
Speak to the Person Directly
If a caregiver or support professional is present, continue addressing the adult rather than automatically speaking for them.
Keep AAC Available
A communication system is useful only when the person can access it.
In addition, communication boards, cards, or devices should be available during activities, meals, outings, social situations, and transitions—not stored away until someone decides they are needed.
Offer Real Choices
Instead of asking only yes-or-no questions, provide opportunities to express preferences.
For example: “Would you rather paint, listen to music, or go outside?”
Then give the person time and access to their preferred communication method.
Learn How the Individual Communicates
Therefore, support staff and families should become familiar with the person’s communication system rather than expecting the AAC user to carry the entire communication burden.
Communication-partner knowledge and training are important parts of successful AAC support. Partners can model the system, wait for a response, notice gestures or facial expressions, and confirm what they understood.
AAC in Community Activities
Communication does not stop when someone leaves home or a day program.
For example, an adult may need to communicate while:
- Ordering food
- Shopping
- Visiting a library
- Participating in recreation
- Meeting friends
- Attending an appointment
- Joining a community event
- Asking for directions or assistance
That is why AAC in everyday environments matters. ASHA’s 2026 AAC Awareness Month initiative specifically highlights public communication boards as a way to make spaces such as parks and libraries more communicatively accessible.
At Smiles Like Yours, community engagement for adults with developmental disabilities creates opportunities to participate in local events, explore interests, and build everyday communication skills in real-world settings.
How Smiles Like Yours Supports Everyday Communication
At Smiles Like Yours, person-centered support means recognizing that every adult has their own preferences, strengths, goals, and ways of communicating.
During social activities, life-skills practice, community experiences, and adult day support programs, communication can help adults make choices, express needs, connect with others, and participate more meaningfully.
Finally, families can explore Smiles Like Yours programs and services or see real examples of activities in the Smiles Like Yours community gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions About AAC
What does AAC mean?
AAC means Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes communication methods that supplement or provide alternatives to spoken language.
Is AAC only for people who cannot speak?
No. AAC can also support people whose speech is limited, inconsistent, difficult to understand, or unreliable in certain situations.
What are examples of AAC?
Examples include communication boards, picture cards, gestures, signs, writing, tablets, communication apps, and speech-generating devices.
Does AAC prevent someone from developing speech?
Research does not support the idea that AAC prevents speech development. A research review involving people with developmental disabilities found no decrease in speech production among the stronger studies it analyzed, while many participants showed gains.
Who should choose an AAC system?
AAC should be individualized. Families can work with qualified professionals, including speech-language pathologists with AAC expertise, while ensuring the adult’s preferences, abilities, and communication needs remain central.
Communication Is Participation
AAC for adults with developmental disabilities is ultimately about more than technology.
It is about giving people meaningful ways to express themselves, connect with others, participate in their communities, and be heard.
This October, AAC Awareness Month gives families and support professionals an opportunity to think differently about communication: not simply asking whether someone can speak, but asking whether they have a reliable way to say what matters to them.
If your family is looking for person-centered developmental disability services in Richmond, Virginia, contact Smiles Like Yours to learn more about available programs and support.
