AAC and Human Rights

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

  • Adopted: 19481948 by the United Nations General Assembly.
  • Contains 3030 articles detailing entitlements and rights; rights are inherent, inalienable, and equally applicable to everyone; born free and equal in dignity and rights.
  • Article 1919: freedom of opinion and expression; right to seek, receive and impart information through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Right to communication ( UDHR Article 19 emphasis )

  • Communication is a basic human right essential for access to information and participation.

Core rights related to communication

  • express feelings
  • be offered choices
  • understand communication
  • reject
  • request information
  • access information
  • be communicated with in a dignified manner
  • be listened to
  • be included in social interaction
  • learn about oneself
  • learn about life
  • access aids, services and resources that enable communication

Purpose of Communication

  • Express needs and wants
  • Transfer information
  • Social closeness
  • Social etiquette
  • Internal dialogue

Communication functions (reasons for communication)

  • To request, protest, and express opinions
  • To ask questions; give opinions; start conversations; share news
  • Modeling language: demonstrate words on the user’s AAC during daily interactions to learn functions

Beyond choice-making

  • An AAC system can be used to make requests and choices, but should enable saying anything to support real connections.

Introduction to AAC

  • Definition: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) adds to speech and writing when these are impaired; includes unaided systems (signing, gestures) and aided techniques (from picture charts to high-tech devices); supports understanding and expression.

Who might benefit from AAC?

  • Autism or intellectual disability
  • Motor difficulties (cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy)
  • Disability from stroke or another neurological condition
  • Some use AAC to help others understand them; may be used in new environments or temporarily after surgery

Modes of communication

  • Unaided: Body language, eye gaze, facial expressions, pointing, gesture, mime, key word sign
  • Aided: Real objects, object symbols, remnants, photographs, pictures, pictographs, written text, speech generating devices
  • Auditory: Speech, vocalisations, inflection and tone
  • Proxemics (use of space) as a communicative cue

Types of AAC

  • Unaided: same as above (body language, eye gaze, facial expressions, pointing, gesture, mime, key word sign)
  • Aided: real objects, object symbols, remnants, photographs, pictures, pictographs, written text, speech generating devices

SLP Role and Communication Difficulties

  • SLPs provide tools and supports to enable communication for people with complex needs; require knowledge of multi-modal communication and AAC
  • Commitment to the right of communication for all
  • In 20152015, approximately 1.21.2 million Australians reported some level of communication difficulty
  • Any communication difficulty can be a barrier to participation; accessibility is important for wellbeing and an inclusive society
  • Numerous ways to support people with communication difficulties

References (selected)

  • AssistiveWare (2020). Reasons we communicate.
  • Beukelman, D. R., & Light, J. C. (2020). Augmentative & alternative communication: supporting children and adults with complex communication needs (5th ed.).
  • Communication Hub (2023). Augmentative and alternative communication.
  • Communication Matters (2008). Focus on…What is AAC?: Introduction to augmentative and alternative communication.
  • Speech Pathology Australia resources on communication and ethics and standards.