Augmentative and Alternative Communication
What it means, what record to check, and what to ask next.
What AAC means in the school record
AAC means Augmentative and Alternative Communication. In an IEP conversation, the practical question is what decision, service, support, or record this term affects for your child.
AAC refers to communication methods that supplement or replace speech and writing for people who have difficulty producing or understanding spoken language. AAC can include gestures, signs, picture boards, speech-generating devices, communication apps, and other systems.
Why it matters
AAC can provide communication access when speech or writing is not enough. The IEP should address availability, modeling, staff training, goals, and use across settings.
What to do when you see AAC
Use this when a student needs a communication system, communication access, or staff support to use AAC across the school day.
Check This Record
- Check whether the IEP considers communication needs and AT/AAC access.
- Look for device/system, vocabulary access, staff training, settings, backup plan, and communication goals.
- Confirm AAC is available during instruction, social time, behavior support, and assessments when needed.
Red Flags
- The device is available only during speech therapy.
- Staff are not trained to support AAC use.
- The plan treats AAC as optional instead of a communication access need.
Documents to Gather
- AAC evaluation
- Speech-language report
- IEP communication goals
- AT plan
- Teacher/SLP notes
Sample Finding
The student has an AAC device, but the IEP does not state when it travels with the student or how classroom staff support communication attempts.
What to Write
"Please document how AAC will be available and supported across settings, who trains staff, and how communication progress will be measured."
Who to Contact
Start with the case manager or IEP coordinator. If the term affects a 504 plan, copy the 504 coordinator; if it affects records, copy the records contact.
When to Get Local Help
Get qualified local help if this term affects discipline, safety, placement, graduation, evaluation refusal, service loss, complaint or due-process deadlines, or a state-specific timeline.
Privacy Note
Share only the IEP pages, evaluations, progress data, service logs, or school records needed for this question. Avoid broad medical history, extra student identifiers, or unrelated records when you ask for help.
Source check
This page is educational information, not legal advice. Rules, timelines, and procedures can vary by state, district, dispute posture, and the individual school record.