Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): History, Successes, and Downfalls (Essay Sample)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
ACC encompasses the communication methods used to replace or supplement writing or speech for learners with disabilities. Individuals with speech or writing challenges need to be helped to interact positively with others in society and realize their learning goals. AAC technologies have been used to teach learners with disabilities, such as those with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). AAC has, since its inception, increased access of learners with disabilities to education opportunities even though the tools are limited in society.
History of AAC
Several learning institutions have embraced the ACC technologies in teaching learners with special needs, such as those with ASD. The use of ACC began in 1950. Before then, therapists were involved in instilling communication skills in ASD learners through their speech therapy sessions (Iacono, Trembath & Erickson, 2016). The modern ACC was adopted in 1950 and targeted individuals who had lost their communication abilities after surgical procedures (Iacono et al., 2016). In the 1960s and 1970s, the American and European states began using the AAC technologies to develop the speaking and writing skills for individuals with special needs, such as learners with ASD (Dressler, Bland & Baumgartner, 2016). In 1965, most states in the west introduced sign language and later graphic symbols to aid communication learners (Dressler et al., 2016). These tools' development led to the advanced development of speech and written communication for learners.
There has been rapid technological advancement in the education sector, focusing on learners with special needs such as ASD. For instance, speech synthesis technologies and microcomputers have enabled children to develop their communication skills (Iacono et al., 2016). The techniques and tools help in realizing the communication competence of the learners.
Specific Events and Issues in History of AAC
The first issue is the continued separation of disabled students. Initially, schools did not have infrastructures and tools for supporting learners with special needs (Zinkevich et al., 2019). Therefore, these students were discriminated against and left while their abled fellows were enrolled in their respective education programs. The separation led to poor performance and delayed communication skills acquisition on the part of those with disabilities. The inability of the earners to realize their development goals led to the development of ACC.
The major event was the passage of the Education