At Rejoice Your Voice, we presume competence.
Every child deserves access to communication while their language continues to grow.
Every child deserves a voice.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) gives children another way to express their thoughts, ideas, wants, and personalities.
AAC doesn't replace communication—it opens the door to it.
What is AAC?
Communication is much more than talking.
AAC includes tools that help children communicate, such as:
✓ Speech-generating devices
✓ Communication apps
✓ Picture symbols
✓ Core word boards
✓ Communication books
✓ Gestures and signs
AAC gives children a reliable way to communicate while supporting participation, relationships, and language development.
Could AAC help my child?
My child
Benefits from visual communication supports and consistent language models.
Important: AAC is not only for children who never speak. Many children use AAC alongside spoken language.
What does AAC therapy look like?
ASSESSMENT
Learning how your child communicates today.
FINDING THE RIGHT SYSTEM
Matching vocabulary and access to your child's strengths.
MODELING LANGUAGE
Adults model AAC while talking naturally.
EVERYDAY COMMUNICATION
Using AAC during play, meals, books, routines, school, & community activities.
AAC is about connection - not just requesting.
Many people think AAC is only used to request items.
Communication is so much bigger than asking for things.
Children deserve language to:
❤️ tell jokes
❤️ ask questions
❤️ protest
❤️ make choices
❤️ comment
❤️ greet others
❤️ share ideas
❤️ build friendships
❤️ express feelings
❤️ tell stories
❤️ learn
❤️ be themselves
Does AAC stop children from talking?
No.
Research consistently shows that AAC does not prevent speech development.
For many children, AAC:
✓ reduces frustration
✓ increases participation
✓ encourages interaction
✓ supports language development
✓ may even encourage spoken language when speech is possible
Every child's communication journey is different.
Our goal is never to replace speech.
Our goal is to help your child communicate successfully in whatever way works best for them
Core words build language
Children learn language best when they can use it throughout the day.
Instead of memorizing nouns, we focus on powerful words like:
GO
STOP
MORE
HELP
OPEN
LOOK
LIKE
WANT
TURN
FINISHED
These words can be combined into thousands of meaningful messages.
AAC happens everywhere
Parent coaching makes the biggest difference
Parents are their child's best communication partners.
You'll learn how to:
✓ model AAC naturally
✓ wait and respond
✓ create opportunities to communicate
✓ build communication into everyday routines
Small changes create meaningful communication.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need AAC?
You know your child best. If your child gets frustrated while communicating, or you know they have more to say than they are currently able to communicate to others (not just close family and friends), they can benefit from a complete language system available to them to support what they do communicate effectively.
Can my child talk and use AAC?
Absolutely. speech will always be the goal and go-to method of communicating. When that is too difficult, AAC is another tool to allow them the independence and ability to express their precious and valuable thoughts and ideas.
What app do I choose?
Please see a speech-language pathologist who works with AAC systems (public or private) to support your decision. There is no one app best for all children.
Do I need a formal assessment?
Yes, an assessment with a Speech-Language Pathologist working along-side yourself will help you and your child choose the best system to grow into.
Will school use the same device?
Ideally, your child uses one AAC system in all environments, though this isn't necessary if not possible.
Will insurance help cover AAC?
There are public avenues to getting a government-funded AAC device. In Simcoe County, there is the Children's Treatment Network's ACCS team, and in Muskoka, there is One Kid's Place. Contact us for more free consultation information on this.
How early can children start AAC?
Any time! The earlier that a consistent and full language system is available, the quicker they will learn one to support them. If their speech evolves where they don't need it anymore - amazing!