October is AAC Awareness Month, a time to celebrate all the ways people communicate and to spread awareness about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). At iRehab, we believe communication is not just about words, it’s about connection, independence, and being truly understood.

Whether through speech, gestures, pictures, text, or technology, everyone deserves a voice, and AAC helps make that possible.

What Is AAC?

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, a term that includes any tool, strategy, or system that helps a person communicate when speech alone isn’t enough.

AAC can be as simple as a picture board or communication book, or as high-tech as a speech-generating device or tablet-based app. It can support people who have no speech, limited speech, or those whose speech becomes unclear or inconsistent due to injury or illness.

AAC gives people the power to share thoughts, ask questions, build relationships, and participate fully in daily life.

Who Can Benefit from AAC?

AAC is used across the lifespan and can support a wide range of diagnoses and communication needs.

Pediatric Clients

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Childhood Apraxia of Speech
• Developmental delays
• Cerebral palsy or genetic conditions
• Selective Mutism

Adult Clients

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or concussion
• Stroke or aphasia
• ALS, Parkinson’s Disease, or other progressive neurological conditions
• Voice loss following surgery or illness

AAC is not a “last resort.” It’s a tool that can build communication early and enhance speech, not replace it. In many cases, introducing AAC actually improves spoken language, social engagement, and confidence.

What AAC Therapy Looks Like at iRehab

At iRehab, our speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists work together to create customized AAC plans that fit each person’s communication style, environment, and goals. Therapy isn’t just about learning buttons or vocabulary, it’s about making communication functional, meaningful, and accessible in everyday life.

Here’s what that looks like in action:

• Children use AAC to tell parents what they want, comment during play, or participate in circle time at school.
• Teens use AAC to connect with peers, make jokes, and express feelings in their own voice.
• Adults recovering from stroke or TBI use AAC to rebuild independence – managing appointments, sharing stories, or giving directions.
• Caregivers and families receive coaching to model language, encourage use, and make AAC part of natural routines at home, work, or in the community.

We focus on real-life application, using AAC during cooking, errands, therapy tasks, or family activities, so communication becomes authentic and practical.

Accessible Care in Every Setting

Because communication happens everywhere, our services are offered:

• In-home: for daily routine practice in natural environments
• In community spaces: to practice real-world interactions like shopping or dining
• Via telehealth: so caregivers and clients can learn and grow together from the comfort of home

We meet families where they are to make therapy accessible, supportive, and effective.

Empowering Voices, Changing Lives

AAC is more than technology, it’s a bridge to connection. We’ve seen children say “Mom” for the first time using a device, adults regain control of daily communication after stroke, and families rediscover the joy of conversation.

Every new word, symbol, or message represents something powerful: a voice found, a relationship strengthened, and a story shared.

Call 248.252.6064 or 📧 email marcia@irehabservices.com to schedule an AAC consultation and learn how our team can support communication for you or your loved one.

At iRehab Services, we believe everyone has something to say, and everyone deserves the tools to say it.