Choosing AAC

There is no ‘one size fits all’ in AAC. Choosing an AAC device is very personal to each person. There are lots of things to consider and it’s important that everyone who supports the person is able to share their thoughts – especially the person who will be using the system.

It’s also important that you try a system first, before committing, to check it’s the best fit.

A team approach

Often someone who uses AAC, has a wide range of people who support them and care for them.

This can include:

Family – such as parents, children, siblings and extended family
Education staff – such as teachers/tutors, class support staff or 1:1 support workers
Therapy teams – such as Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy
Specialist teams – such as visual impairment support, audiology, specialist medical teams and dietetics

It’s important, where possible, to involve everyone who supports and cares for someone in the discussion around choosing AAC. This makes sure that everything has been considered, and that everyone understands why AAC is being recommended. Ultimately we want AAC to be as successful as possible for an individual and for this to happen – the whole team around a person need to be invested. Don’t forget to include the most important person – the person who will be using AAC themselves. Their opinions are incredibly important, don’t forget the AAC system is going to be their voice.

Support from AAC professionals

There are lots of different AAC solutions out there – which can feel a bit overwhelming!

Thankfully, AAC companies such as ourselves have teams who are ready to help navigate the AAC maze!

At Liberator Ltd, we have a team of skilled Regional AAC Consultants who are here to help you navigate the AAC assessment process. Our consultants have clinical and lived experience of AAC which allows them to provide personalised, relevant advice, support and guidance for each person’s individual needs.

Whether it’s a quick video call, an in-person visit to look at solutions and try them, or an in-depth assessment and trial of a device, the team are here to support you.

Reaching out to the team is simple and allows you to book an appointment which suits your needs – and calendar! And the best part? Their advice, support and guidance in helping you find the right AAC system is free of charge.

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Trialling AAC devices

If you are considering AAC it’s really important to try a device before committing to it.

When you try a device, you are able to experience what the device is like in ‘real-life’ and you can consider important things such as:

Is the device portable enough for the person?
Is the screen the right size?
Is the vocabulary (the words on the device) the right fit for the person?
Can the person access the device easily?

It’s important to feedback on your trial too, as this helps the decision-making in terms of finding the absolute best-fit for the person. If you try a device and it’s not quite right – that’s OK! There are lots of different options in AAC – and your AAC consultant can help to explore alternatives which may be a better fit.

Here at Liberator we want you to find the AAC solution which best meets your needs, which is why we offer complimentary 2-week loans of AAC devices. Your Regional AAC consultant can identify possible options, and arrange an AAC device loan, feedback session and explore subsequent loans if needed. The devices are shipped to your home or setting free of charge, and you will be given a short training session on how to use the device. Your consultant will be available to support remotely during the loan and will check-in mid way through to check everything is OK.

Factors to consider when choosing a device to trial

Free AAC Support from Trusted Consultants

At Liberator Ltd, we’re here to make exploring augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) simple and supportive. Our experienced Regional AAC consultants offer free guidance, from initial conversations to detailed assessments and follow-up reviews, helping families, therapists, and individuals find the right communication solutions with confidence.

Whether you’re seeking support for your child or family member, a therapist working with complex needs, or simply curious about AAC, our team is ready to help. With no cost, no pressure, just expert support.

Let’s take the first step together. Contact us today to speak with a Regional AAC Consultant and discover how we can help.