augmentative and alternative communication

aug·men·ta·tive and al·ter·na·tive com·mun·i·ca·tion

(AAC) (awg-men'tă-tiv awl-tĕr'nă-tiv kă-myūn'i-kā'shŭn)

1. Any type of compensation for impaired use of verbal language, including techniques such as gesture systems and devices such as voice amplifiers, picture boards, and computerized instrumentation;
See also: communication board

2. The clinical practice of determining appropriate compensatory techniques for inadequate verbal communication and providing training in the use of those techniques.
Synonym(s): nonoral communication, nonverbal communication.

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012