Tools, strategies, and support for adult AAC users and their care teams🔗

Stroke, brain injury, or neurological diseases can significantly impact a person’s ability to speak, understand, read, or write. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) provides tools and strategies to support functional communication, increase independence, and improve overall quality of life.

What Is AAC?🔗

AAC includes a wide range of communication supports—both low-tech, such as communication books or whiteboards, and high-tech, such as dedicated speech-generating devices. AAC can be used alongside any remaining verbal abilities to support both understanding and expression.

AAC for Adults: Key Considerations🔗

AAC use is highly individualized and should take into account:

Communication Profile

• Type and severity of impairment (expressive, receptive, global, stable vs. progressive)
• Impact on daily participation and independence

Cognitive and Motor Abilities

• Access methods (touchscreen, switch, eye gaze, partner-assisted scanning)
• Need for caregiver or communication-partner support
• Anticipated changes for adults with progressive conditions, who may require evolving access options over time

Personal Lifestyle and Preferences

• Work roles
• Hobbies
• Social and family communication needs

Environment and Support Network

• Caregiver involvement
• Clinical supports
• Technology comfort level

Types of AAC Tools for Adults🔗

Low-Tech Options

• Communication books or photo albums
• Pen and paper
• Yes/No cards
• Whiteboards

High-Tech Options

• AAC apps or text-to-speech apps on smartphones/tablets
• Dedicated speech-generating devices
• Devices with switch access or eye-gaze technology

AAC Tools Designed for Adults🔗

The following AAC apps are well-suited for adults with aphasia, dysarthria, or other acquired communication disorders. These tools offer adult-appropriate vocabulary, interfaces, and customization beyond child-focused designs.

Icon-Based AAC

App	Overview	Link
Grid for iPad	Symbol- or text-based communicator. Includes aphasia page sets with visual scenes, scripts, and storytelling supports. Suitable for a wide range of adult users (aphasia, ALS, CP).	https://thinksmartbox.com/aphasia-duo/
TD Snap – Aphasia Page Set	Aphasia-specific communication tools with visual scenes, scripts, partner-assisted features (rating scales, yes/no), and therapy supports.	https://us.tobiidynavox.com/pages/td-snap-aphasia
TouchChat: Aphasia Duo	Offers symbol-supported vocabulary, visual scenes, and organized categories for adults who need both symbol and text support.	https://touchchatapp.com/videos?category=6&page=1

Visual Scene Apps

App	Overview	Link
Snap Scene (Tobii Dynavox)	Visual scenes ideal for adults with aphasia or cognitive-linguistic needs; supports contextual conversations.	https://us.tobiidynavox.com/products/snap-scene
Scene and Heard	Visual scene displays with hotspots, videos, and audio—useful for adults with aphasia, TBI, or dementia.	https://therapy-box.co.uk/scene-and-heard

Text-Based AAC

App	Overview	Link
Predictable	Designed for users with literacy skills and acquired or progressive speech loss. Includes advanced prediction, email/text integration, shortcuts, and multiple voice options.	https://therapy-box.co.uk/predictable
Proloquo4Text	Text-to-speech app for adults with intact literacy but limited or no speech; includes customizable categories and quick phrases.	https://www.assistiveware.com/products/proloquo4text
Dialogue AAC	A spelling- and phrase-based system offering 60‑ and 84‑location layouts and predictive features to speed communication.	https://dialogueaacapp.com/
Spoken AAC	Text-based AAC with optional visual supports designed for teens and adults, including features beneficial for aphasia.	https://spokenaac.com/
Speech Assistant	Text-based AAC allowing optional image support, preprogrammed phrases, and quick navigation between conversation topics.	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIyXoaEgHew

Tips for Choosing an AAC App for Adult Clients🔗

Consider the following:

• Does the client have literacy skills?
• Do they need symbols to support comprehension or expression?
• Will the user benefit from photos, videos, or recorded messages?
• Does the device need to integrate calendars, schedules, therapy activities, or work tools?

Additional Tip

• Adults using a QuickTalker Freestyle can create a personal voice that sounds similar to their own. Learn how to get started with Personal Voice

Role of AAC in Recovery and Daily Life🔗

For many adults, losing the ability to communicate is one of the most overwhelming parts of their recovery journey. They may also be adjusting to challenges with mobility, feeding, cognition, or daily activities.

AAC empowers adults by:

• Allowing them to participate in medical decision-making
• Communicating wants, needs, preferences, and questions
• Staying connected with family and friends
• Expressing goals for therapy
• Maintaining identity and autonomy

Communication is a critical part of healing, and AAC gives adults their voice back.

Strategies for Supporting AAC Use With Adults🔗

Ensure AAC is available throughout the day
Keep devices charged, accessible, and within reach during therapy, meals, and appointments.

Program relevant, meaningful vocabulary
Add topics important to the adult—favorite sports teams, hobbies, pets, family names, games like Scrabble, etc.

Demonstrate the benefits
Model AAC use during conversations so adults can see how it supports communication.

Create success early
Use AAC during predictable decision-making tasks to build confidence and independence.

Final Thoughts🔗

Incorporating AAC into an adult’s life takes time and patience. There may be moments of frustration, but what matters most is restoring dignity, autonomy, and choice. AAC has the power to reopen doors, whether that means FaceTiming grandchildren, returning to a weekly bowling league, or participating fully in medical care and daily life.

You are not alone in this process. If you need support, schedule a meeting with our SLP Empowerment Team.