AAC Competence Domains

There are certain competencies to consider for those who use aided AAC. These are areas to consider when planning therapy targets or looking at a user's proficiency with their AAC system. They do not represent pre-requisites for the implementation of AAC.

There are NO pre-requisites for the use of AAC.

4 Communicative Competencies

Linguistic Competence

Operational Competence

These are the technical skills needed to operate the user's AAC system accurately and efficiently. This could include navigating the power buttons, knowing how and when to adjust the volume, and knowing how to charge the system. It also includes the knowledge of the AAC user's partners on how to keep the vocabulary up to date, construct overlays, protect the technology from harm, secure repairs, modify the system for future needs, and ensure day to day availability of the system.

Social Competence

This refers to the skills of social interactions such as starting, maintaining, developing, and ending conversations. Social competence includes knowing when to speak, giving and taking turns, communicating for a variety of functions, and engaging in coherent and cohesive interactions. It is crucial that AAC users can develop a positive self-image, an interest in others, and a desire to communicate.

Strategic Competence

These are the strategies used by AAC users to deal with limitations imposed by their AAC systems. Even the best, most high tech system may impose limitations. Communication partners may not be familiar with AAC. Breakdowns in communication can occur even with a device. Messages take a while to compose. Strategic competence refers to the AAC user's use of coping strategies when these breakdowns occur.

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