Q&A

Funding & Other

Resources

What is AAC? Anything that is used to

enhance a persons speech can be
considered AAC. We all use a form of
AAC when we gesture, use facial
expressions, or use visual aids to explain
something. People with impaired
speech can use AAC to create messages
that others will understand while they
work on regaining their ability to speak.

Article: Traumatic Brain Injury

and AAC: Supporting
Communication Through
Recovery
www.asha.org
(search for TBI and AAC)

What kinds of AAC can I use with my

loved one who has TBI? Many options,
from simple yes/no systems to high-
tech computerized speech generating
devices, are available. The AAC team
will help you find the right fit based on
the technical skills and preferences of
you and your loved one with TBI.

http://www.dynavoxtech.com/
conditions/other/traumatic-
brain-injury/

How do you communicate with AAC?

Some solutions include extensive
partner support while others can be
used more independently. It depends
on the current communication status
and goals of your loved one.
When should we start using AAC?
As soon as possible! The fist step is
completing a comprehensive
assessment from an AAC team.
How do I learn more? Make an
appointment with a speech-language
pathologist at the hospital or rehab
center and check out the resources on
the back of this brochure.

Websites:
https://www.isaac-online.org

Helping People
with Traumatic
Brain Injury (TBI)
Communicate:
Building Successful
Partnerships

http://aacfundinghelp.com
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/dis
orders/tbi/tbi.htm
http://www.augcominc.com/w
hatsnew/ncs3.html
http://whenseanspeaks.com/
Book: Characteristics of
Effective Communication
Partners in Supporting Persons
with Traumatic Brain Injury,
Jerry Hoepner, ProQuest 2013

UNM Speech-Language-Hearing Center
1700 Lomas Blvd. NE, Suite 1300
Albuquerque, NM 87131
shs.unm.edu
Brochure constructed by Moira Ellis

A practical resource
for families & friends

Information about
Augmentative and Alternative
Communication (AAC) during
recovery and rehabilitation

Traumatic Brain Injury can cause a wide variety of cognitive (mental) and motoric (physical) deficits that
impact memory, language, comprehension, behavior, and movement.
Recovery and rehabilitation time can vary dramatically from person to person.
It is important for individuals with TBI to be active participants in their recovery.
Communication is an essential element of participation.
You can help your loved one with TBI in many ways, including allowing adequate time for responses,
providing context, and introducing topics.
Communicators use multimodal communication, which may consist of a combination of speech, gestures,
eye movements, and pictorial symbols to create a complete and cohesive message.
People who use AAC need to take advantage of cognitive and motoric skills that are intact and find solutions
using multiple modes of communication.
People with TBI need to communicate their basic needs and wants, share information and personal stories,
maintain relationships, and participate in daily tasks such as greeting people.
Obtain a comprehensive AAC assessment to see if your loved one might benefit from using additional forms
of communication. Contact a speech-language pathologist today!

scoopit.com

Kristen Huhn

Communication Support During TBI Recovery

Myths and Facts about

Alternative and Augmentative

Communication (AAC)

Myth: My loved one wont regain

speech if they learn to rely on AAC
Fact: Your loved one needs to be able
to communicate right now with the
skills they have. Therapy includes
working on speech and AAC skills.
Myth: AAC requires high-tech devices
that are hard to learn and cost a lot
Fact: There are many inexpensive
options that are easy to learn.
Myth: Writing messages down is easier
and faster for individuals with TBI
Fact: This may be the best solution
for some, but can be slow and tiring.
Myth: Changing how I interact wont
improve my loved ones communication
Fact: You can help improve the ease,
efficiency, and effectiveness of your
loved ones communication, making
the recovery process less stressful for
everyone involved.