Glossary

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AAC

Abbreviation for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC encompasses all forms of communication other than oral speech that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. This includes both unaided systems (such as gestures, sign language, and facial expressions)…

AAC Device(also: AAC System, Communication Device)

A dedicated hardware device or software application designed to support augmentative and alternative communication for people who cannot rely on natural speech. AAC devices range from low-tech options (communication boards, picture cards) to high-tech systems (speech-generating…

AI-Mediated Communication(also: AI-Assisted Communication)

Communication that is facilitated, enhanced, or generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools. This includes AI-powered text generation, speech-to-text transcription, real-time translation, message drafting, and communication augmentation for people with speech…

ASL Linguistic Markers(also: Non-Manual Markers, Non-Manual Signals, ASL Facial Grammar)

Facial expressions, head movements, and body postures that serve grammatical and semantic functions in American Sign Language and other sign languages, distinct from emotional facial expressions. Common ASL linguistic markers include MM (meaning effortlessly or regularly,…

Active Listening(also: Attentive Listening)

A communication technique where the listener fully concentrates on, understands, and responds to a speaker, demonstrating engagement through verbal and non-verbal feedback. Active listening behaviors include maintaining eye contact, nodding, providing verbal acknowledgments,…

Aided AAC(also: Aided Augmentative and Alternative Communication)

The branch of Augmentative and Alternative Communication that relies on an external tool to produce or carry the message — ranging from low-tech paper communication boards and picture-exchange cards to high-tech tablet apps and dedicated speech-generating devices accessed via…

Aided Language Stimulation(also: Aided Language Modeling, Aided Language Input, ALgS)

A communication intervention technique in which a conversation partner models language on an AAC device while speaking, pointing to symbols on the learner's communication system as they talk. This includes describing their own actions, narrating the learner's actions, providing…

Algospeak(also: Algorithm-Friendly Language, Algo-Speak)

The practice of using code words, creative spellings, or substitutions in online content to avoid algorithmic detection, censorship, or demonetization by social media platforms. Examples include spelling "lesbian" as "le$bian" or "le dollar bean" on TikTok. While algospeak…

Alphabet Board(also: Letter Board, Spelling Board, Communication Board)

A low-technology communication tool displaying letters of the alphabet that enables people who cannot speak to spell out words and messages by pointing to, gazing at, or otherwise indicating individual letters. Alphabet boards are among the simplest and most widely used AAC…

American Sign Language(also: ASL)

A complete, natural language with its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, expressed through hand shapes, facial expressions, and body movements, used primarily by Deaf communities in the United States and parts of Canada. ASL is not a signed version of English—it has distinct…

American Sign Language(also: ASL, Ameslan)

A complete, natural language that uses hand movements, facial expressions, and body posture to convey meaning, serving as the primary language of many Deaf people in the United States and parts of Canada. ASL has its own grammar and syntax distinct from English and is not a…

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(also: ALS, Motor Neurone Disease, MND)

A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons controlling voluntary muscle movement, leading to progressive weakness, muscle wasting, and eventually loss of the ability to speak, swallow, and breathe. ALS is one of the primary conditions for which gaze-based…

Aphasia

A language disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate, including difficulties with speaking, understanding speech, reading, and writing. Aphasia typically results from brain injury, most commonly stroke, and its severity and specific manifestations vary widely. In…

Articulation(also: Speech Articulation, Articulation Skills)

The physical production of speech sounds through coordinated movement of the articulators—tongue, lips, teeth, palate, jaw, and respiratory system. Articulation disorders occur when a person has difficulty producing specific speech sounds correctly, which may involve…

Articulation Disorder(also: speech sound disorder, phonological disorder)

A speech impairment characterized by difficulty producing speech sounds or phonemes correctly. Articulation disorders are classified into three categories: organic (caused by hearing loss or structural abnormalities), motor (caused by neurological conditions affecting motor…

Articulation Work(also: Care Articulation, Need Articulation)

The often invisible labor of putting thoughts, needs, and feelings into words, particularly in care relationships. Articulation work involves expressing what support is needed, coordinating care activities, and communicating between care partners. This concept, originating from…

Assistive Communication(also: Assisted Communication)

Any method, device, or system used to supplement or replace natural speech and writing for people who have difficulty with spoken or written language. Assistive communication encompasses a broad range of approaches, from low-tech solutions like picture boards and communication…

Asynchronous Communication(also: Async Communication)

Communication that does not occur in real time, allowing participants to send and receive messages at different times. In educational and workplace contexts, examples include email, discussion forums, recorded lectures, and messaging platforms. Asynchronous communication…

Augmentative Communication(also: AAC, Augmentative and Alternative Communication)

Methods, tools, and strategies used to supplement or replace spoken or written communication for people who have difficulty producing or comprehending speech and language. AAC ranges from low-tech approaches like picture boards and sign language to high-tech devices with speech…

Augmentative and Alternative Communication(also: AAC)

A broad set of strategies, tools, and technologies used to supplement or replace spoken or written communication for people with complex communication needs. AAC ranges from low-tech solutions like picture boards and communication books to high-tech speech-generating devices,…

Augmentative and Alternative Communication(also: AAC)

A set of tools, strategies, and techniques used to supplement or replace spoken or written communication for people with complex communication needs. AAC ranges from low-tech options like picture boards and symbol cards to high-tech solutions including speech-generating devices…

Augmented Communicator(also: AC, AAC User, Aided 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…

22 results.