Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems are critical tools that promote equitable communication access for individuals who are unable to rely on spoken communication alone. While AAC has gained substantial traction in Western contexts, its implementation in Arabic-speaking countries remains limited due to unique cultural, linguistic, and systemic challenges. This presentation shares findings from a comprehensive scoping review exploring the current state of AAC use in the Arab world, with a particular emphasis on Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), awareness and accessibility, professional training, cultural responsiveness, and barriers to implementation.
The review identified significant disparities in AAC awareness across key stakeholders. While healthcare providers tend to have greater familiarity with AAC, families and educators often possess limited knowledge or rely primarily on informal strategies such as gestures or sign language. This limited understanding can delay or prevent the adoption of more robust AAC supports, particularly those tailored for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. Furthermore, the lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate AAC tools in Arabic severely limits access and functionality, especially for users in rural or underserved areas.
One of the most pressing issues revealed in this review is the widespread lack of professional training in AAC. Across multiple studies conducted in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE, professionals—including speech-language pathologists, special educators, and therapists—consistently report insufficient preparation in AAC assessment and intervention. Barriers such as gender-segregated training systems, minimal hands-on opportunities, and limited inclusion of AAC in early intervention programs have resulted in professionals feeling unprepared to support AAC users effectively. These findings highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms in professional development programs, including the creation of culturally relevant training models that prioritize experiential learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Despite these challenges, there are promising examples of innovation and advocacy. Studies evaluating the effectiveness of PECS in the Arab region show positive outcomes for children with ASD, particularly when the system is introduced early and supported through caregiver training. Moreover, technology-driven solutions, such as the MAAN messaging app developed for Arabic-speaking adults with autism, demonstrate how inclusive design practices and stakeholder collaboration can yield culturally responsive AAC tools. These success stories underscore the importance of involving users, families, and professionals in the co-design of AAC technologies to ensure both usability and cultural relevance.
The review also uncovered broader systemic and policy-related barriers. High device costs, minimal funding, limited Arabic-language AAC applications, and deeply rooted cultural stigmas around disability all inhibit AAC access and adoption. Moreover, many educational environments lack the infrastructure and policies to support AAC implementation. Teachers report inadequate training, limited collaboration with families, and scarce access to teaching assistants or AAC resources, making it difficult to support students who require AAC.
This presentation calls for a paradigm shift in how AAC is approached in Arabic-speaking contexts—one that moves beyond importing Western models and instead invests in local innovation, inclusive practice, and culturally grounded advocacy. Recommendations will be offered for creating sustainable change, including:
* Expanding professional development with a focus on Arabic-language AAC resources and culturally competent training;
* Developing AAC tools that are linguistically and visually appropriate for Arab users;
* Fostering partnerships between developers, educators, therapists, and families to design accessible and usable communication supports; and
* Advocating for policy reform to increase AAC funding, device access, and inclusive education mandates.
By centering the voices and needs of AAC users in Arabic-speaking communities, this presentation contributes to a growing global conversation about equity in communication. Through innovation, inclusion, and advocacy, we can bridge the current gaps and ensure that every individual—regardless of language, ability, or location—has the tools they need to communicate effectively.
