Augmented Communicator

A person who uses augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology to express themselves, typically because a disability affects their ability to produce speech. Augmented communicators use devices ranging from simple picture boards to sophisticated speech-generating devices that convert text or symbol selection into spoken output. A key challenge for augmented communicators is the interaction asymmetry in conversations: they must compose messages asynchronously (selecting words or letters one at a time) while their non-augmented conversation partners respond synchronously using natural speech. This asymmetry affects turn-taking, conversational pacing, and the ability to interject, making nonverbal communication cues and partner awareness particularly important.