Well Cat was actually using a text to speech app which is an example of an aided, high tech, non dedicated AAC device.

Of course if you’re placed on vocal rest by your primary care physician or speech therapist, DO NOT FOLLOW HER LEAD.

There’s no benefits to being a dangerous woman when it comes to your vocal fold health. 😉

But let’s be honest, that leaves us with a lot of questions. So here’s my definition, the Kyra definition!

Okay so—having complex communication needs doesn’t always mean you can’t talk. Sometimes, you can speak, but:

Your speech is hard to understand (like only mom gets you), it breaks down when you’re tired, anxious, or overwhelmed, you can’t get your full thoughts out fast enough with just words or maybe speech is fine sometimes, but not in every setting.

So even though you can talk, AAC helps your speech go further. It’s like a backup for your voice—amplifies it, supports it, and fills in the gaps when needed.

Example: Using a GoTalk device or communication app.

Let’s break this down further!

Low-Tech AAC

Definition: Simple tools with no electronics—like paper-based systems or boards.

Example: A printed alphabet board used to spell words.

Mid-Tech AAC

Definition: Basic electronic AAC tools with limited memory/output. Basically devices that use batteries.

Example: A BigMackbutton programmed to say “I’m thirsty.”

High-Tech AAC

Definition: Advanced devices or apps that generate speech with dynamic display and multiple functions.

Example: Proloquo2Go or Grid for iPad.

Example: A person signing “more” during snack time.

Makaton or SASL sign image

Dedicated AAC

Built to talk. That’s it.

These devices are made specifically for AAC—nothing else. No games, no insta, no distractions.

Secure, reliable, focused.

Think Steven Hawking.

Non-Dedicated AAC

Think- Can talk AND scroll TikTok!

Mainstream tech that runs AAC apps alongside other stuff.

Affordable, familiar, customizable.

Great for teens or temporary AAC needs.

Example: iPad with Proloquo2Go

Example: One blink = “yes,” two = “no”

Example: imagine DJ Khalid not being able to say DJ Khalid anymore… wild thought isn’t it.

Example: Want, go, stop, help

Example: A teacher points to “eat” while saying “Let’s eat.”

Example: A fixed PECS board

Example: Tap “food” → see choices like “snack,” “lunch,” “fruit”