Augmentative and Alternative Communication

The term Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and its German adaptation Unterstützte Kommunikation (UK) refer to all tools and aids related to communication for children, adolescents and adults who are either temporarily or permanently unable to communicate verbally or are only able to do so to a limited extent. Even though the international term Augmentative and Alternative Communication is more precise, the expression Unterstützte Kommunikation has been established as a generic term in German-speaking areas. “Alternative Communication” refers to methods of communication that replace the common use of language, such as for instance Braille or sign language.