Background
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) has been defined as the collection of tools, strategies, and techniques designed to support or replace natural speech for individuals with communication support needs(Fuller & Lloyd, 2024). Or, as the means by which an individual who is not able to use speech can communicate in face-to-face interaction (von Tetzchner et al., 2025). While these definitions have served as a foundation for research and practice, they mostly emphasize the functional and individual aspects of communication, with less focus on the communication process, the dynamic interplay between communication partners and the social context.
The ISAAC Research Committee has for the past year been working on has for the past year been working on how to best understand and define Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). In this research panel, the background for this work, current definitions of AAC, and considerations we have made before suggesting a new definition will be presented. There will be opportunity for the audience to engage and contribute towards the definition of AAC. The research panel will end with outlining a plan for moving forward with defining AAC.
Aim
The aim of the research panel is to 1) present the work of the ISAAC Research Committee regarding the definition of AAC, 2) engage the participants in discussions about how the concept of AAC can be understood, and 3) present a plan for moving forward with a unified, universal definition of AAC.
Outline of the research panel
The moderator and speakers will be members of the ISAAC Research Committee and invited guests. This includes both AAC users, their next-of-kin, as well as researchers and clinicians in the field of AAC.
* Introduction to the topic (5 min) by moderator
* Speaker 1 (15 min): How to understand and define communication
* Speaker 2 (15 min): Current definitions of AAC
* Audience participation (10 min): A poll where the audience can give input on aspects they consider important when defining AAC
* Speaker 3 (15 min): A proposal for a unified, universal definition of AAC
* Panel discussion (15 min) between three speakers and invited guests
* Audience participation (10 min): Q & A to the panel discussants
* Closing (5 min) by moderator: The moderator will give a brief summary, focusing on how the ISAAC Research Committee will take the work on defining AAC further
References:
Fuller, D. R., & Lloyd, L. L. (2024). Principles and practices in augmentative and alternative communication. Routledge.
von Tetzchner, S., Martinsen, H., & Stadskleiv, K. (2025). Augmentative and Alternative Communication for children, adolescents and adults with developmental disorders. Routledge.
