Empowering communication : the crucial role of speech and language therapists in augmentative and alternative communication practices

Traditionally, the profession of Speech and Language Therapy has been associated with the assessment and intervention of children and adults with speech, language, communication, and swallowing difficulties. A lesser-known area of speech and language therapy relates to the use of augmentative and alternative communication. In this article, we explore the role of Speech and Language Therapy in the field of augmentative and alternative communication as well as provide the reader with basic information on how this can support communication. Four case studies are presented to demonstrate how augmentative and alternative communication can support individuals to achieve communicative competence.