Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Some people cannot speak with their mouth.
Maybe because of an accident.
Maybe because of an illness.
Maybe because of a disability.
People do not speak with their mouths.
But they have something to say.
They want to be understood.
They want to talk to other people.
People need someone to talk to.
That's called an interlocutor.
Conversation partners need to be trained.
They need to take their time.
They need to know people well.
People do not talk with their mouths.
Maybe they look at an object.
Maybe they move their head for yes or no.
Maybe they move their fingers for letters.
You have to know people well.
You have to know a lot.
You need time.
Then you can understand them.
Then you can say it for them.
People can then decide for themselves.
They can participate and determine.
These people need a lot of help.
Other people work for them.
Men are called: assistants.
Women are called: assistants.
They help with everything in life.
Maybe with talking.
Maybe with washing.
Maybe with shopping.
Maybe in your free time.
They help with self-determination.
They help with participation.
Then they call it: assistance.
People don't talk with their mouths.
Maybe they write with a pen.
Maybe they point to a photo.
Maybe they point to a symbol.
Maybe they use a computer to talk.
Maybe they use an iPad to speak.
That's called a speech computer.
There are aids for these people.
This is called: augmentative and alternative communication.
There is an association.
The association advocates for augmentative and alternative communication.
The association is called: Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
Some also say: GesUK.
This is the website of the association: https://www.gesellschaft-uk.org/
The association has many members.
You can get help from the association.
Maybe a training.
Maybe an address.
Maybe a phone number.