A method of communication that involves intermediary steps by the device or the partner, usually to compensate for motor limitations of the user. Examples include single-and dual-switch scanning, directed scanning and coded access (Dowden and Cook, 2002).

A phrase used by insurance companies and 3rd party payers to refer to equipment or services that are less expensive but may still meet the patient's needs

A formal language in which communicators use visual symbols rather than oral sounds to convey meaning. An example is American Sign Language, which is used by deaf or hearing-impaired individuals.

A document detailing the educational goals of an individual with disabilities and the special services the individual will receive in order to work toward those goals.

The letter by a physician and a clinician to a 3rd party payer (e.g. insurance company) to request funding for an AAC device. See details onUW Augcommon what such a document should include and how it should be written.

A phrase used by insurance companies and 3rd party payers to describe the equipment and services a patient requires for health and safety needs. Insurance companies and 3rd party payers usually only provide equipment and services that meet medical needs, as opposed to educational or social needs.

Symbols that are understood in many cultures. For example, the picture symbols of men's and ladies' rooms are widely understood.

A method of predicting the next words, based on the grammatical rules of the words that have preceded it (Beukelman & Mirenda, 1998)

Signing only the key words in an utterance, sometimes done while speaking (Beukelman & Mirenda, 1998)

A popular name for devices, such as books, boards and pictures, that use little or no electronic technology to promote communication. They are in contrast to high technology or computerized devices.