Beyond Words: AAC Awareness Month 2025
Stay up to date with the latest speech pathology tips and trends
AAC Awareness Month is celebrated every October, and this year’s theme, “Innovation, Inclusion, and Advocacy in AAC”, highlights the importance of embracing all the ways people communicate.
At North Shore Speech Therapy, we’re passionate about supporting individuals who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and raising awareness about the power of communication beyond verbal speech.
What is AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes all the tools and strategies that help people communicate when they can’t rely on speech alone. AAC can be as simple as gestures, facial expressions, or picture cards, or as advanced as speech-generating devices and eye-gaze technology.
AAC is used by people of all ages who have challenges with communication that may be associated with autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, or acquired communication difficulties. AAC is not just about “talking” – it’s about connecting, building relationships, and participating fully in the community.
Why AAC Awareness Matters
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1.2 million Australians have a communication disability. AAC Awareness Month aims to:
- Break down barriers to communication
- Celebrate diverse communication methods
- Promote inclusion for people who communicate differently
- Advocate for access to AAC tools and support.
This year’s theme, “Innovation, Inclusion, and Advocacy in AAC”, encourages us to celebrate the creativity and resilience of AAC users, and to champion their right to be heard in every setting.
At North Shore Speech Therapy, we work with children and families to find the right AAC solutions, provide training, and advocate for inclusive communication in all environments.
AAC Awareness Month highlights the importance of providing tools and strategies that empower every person to express their thoughts, needs, and dreams. It is a time to recognise the vital role AAC plays in supporting self-advocacy, autonomy, and communication access. By embracing innovation, fostering inclusion, and advocating for AAC access, we can ensure that everyone has a voice.
About Us
North Shore Speech Therapy has four state of the art speech therapy clinics across Sydney’s North Shore, in Chatswood, Hornsby and Neutral Bay. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more great content and to explore our services.
