Augmentative and alternative communication: being heard

So Much to Say

By Jo Berry · Originally published 1 July 2015

Deeper review: 6 October 2026. The deeper review adds article-specific decisions and audience guidance. Historical passages and their adjacent corrections remain preserved.

Original article

Jo Berry is a 29 year old social worker with a disability. She works for disability charity Fighting Chance Australia as the coordinator of their social program LifeX and in house blog writer. She is also an ambassador for the Don’t DIS My Ability campaign

I am the first to admit that I am a total chatterbox. Talking is such a critical element in being able to express oneself. I think I would be utterly lost if I weren’t able to talk. I’d struggle if I had to not talk for just an hour! Most of us take that capability for granted. Not everyone is able to talk though.

Some people are physically unable to communicate verbally because of a disability or medical condition, but that doesn’t mean they can’t communicate. In fact approximately two thirds of all communication is non-verbal! Our society is so focused on verbal communication that people without the ability to talk are at a great disadvantage. However, just because someone can’t talk doesn’t mean they don’t have something to say.

[Clickability update, October 2026:

There is no universal percentage that determines how this person communicates. Speech Pathology Australia describes AAC as a range of approaches, including gestures, signs, paper-based supports and electronic systems. Ask the person what works for them.

]

I work with a great guy (Bobby*) who has cerebral palsy and he is completely unable to verbalise but he has likes, dislikes, opinions, and sentiments just like everyone else. I can only imagine how frustrating it would be to not be able to speak up whenever I had something to say and I would have to say that he would have to be one of the most patient people I have ever met!

Many people wrongly assume people like Bobby are intellectually disabled as well or that there isn’t much going on mentally but that could not be further from the truth. Bobby is the perfect example of someone who is incredibly bright, individual, and has so much to offer but who has to work a lot harder than we do to get those things across because he has to use non-verbal communication.

When asked in the right way and given adequate time to respond Bobby is perfectly able to express his likes, dislikes, thoughts and opinions. The problem is that people like Bobby are rarely given the time or chance to be heard in our very verbal society. Instead it is either assumed that he can’t communicate or has nothing to say. We only need to look at Steven Hawkings to see the ridiculousness of such assumptions. He was significantly physically disabled. He couldn’t walk or talk and yet he was a genius that has taught us a great deal about science and our universe.

Facial expressions can often tell you an incredible amount about what a person is feeling or thinking.

As cliché as it may sound, a smile truly does speak a thousand words. We all use facial expressions, body language, posture, eye contact etc. to let people know how we are feeling. While there are alternate methods of communicating such as sign language, communication boards, and technological aids to help those that can’t communicate verbally, these don’t suit everyone’s needs and they often don’t have the same effectiveness in showing the emotion behind the words they convey.

The real issue is that we so often jump to conclusions about people who can’t communicate verbally and we don’t acknowledge just how much can be said through non-verbal communication. As a society we need to put more effort into accepting and embracing the different ways people communicate and be more patient and open-minded with those who communicate differently to ourselves. Most importantly we need to stop judging people prematurely based on the way they walk, talk or look. Just because someone can’t speak, it doesn’t mean they have nothing to say.

*Alias used for Bobby’s privacy

Clickability editorial update: October 2026

Wait for the person’s answer and check your interpretation

Address the person directly. Learn the agreed communication method and keep it available, including when routines change or a new worker starts. Do not finish a message merely because you think you know what comes next. Ask how the person wants uncertainty checked.

A facial expression is not a complete consent process. Give time and suitable choices without narrowing the person’s message to what is easiest for you to record. Communication access guidance helps teams examine barriers in their service.

Make room for the person’s message

Choose the communication that works in that situation

AAC can include unaided methods, pictures, communication books and electronic systems. You may use different methods in different places. The relevant question is whether you can express what you want and understand the response, not whether the method looks sophisticated. Read Queensland Health’s AAC information

Tell people, in the way that works for you, what gives you enough time and what makes communication harder. You should not have to demonstrate exceptional intelligence to deserve a chance to be heard.

Your communication includes disagreement, humour and changing your mind.

For service options, compare speech therapist against the tasks and communication you need.

Check an interpretation instead of speaking over the person

Allow time for the person to respond and confirm your understanding where possible. A familiar expression may help you notice a preference, but do not assume one gesture always has the same meaning. Offer an accessible way to correct you or say something different.

Keep useful vocabulary and preferred methods available when another person provides support. Include ordinary choices, humour and disagreement as well as care needs. Communication should not be limited to answering questions other people have chosen.

Plan access, partner support and a backup

Consider how the person reaches or operates a system, how it fits the setting and what happens when power or connectivity fails. Trial an option in everyday situations with appropriate professional input, rather than choosing a device solely from a catalogue.

Build communication access into decisions about services and consent. The NDIA’s supported decision-making policy centres the person’s will, preferences and rights. Give workers practical instruction and review what is working without treating speech as the measure of someone’s decision-making ability. Read the official guidance

Questions readers ask

Does not speaking mean someone cannot make decisions?

No. Provide suitable communication and decision support. Official guidance

Is AAC only an electronic speech-generating device?

No. AAC includes unaided and aided methods, including low-technology options. The person may use a combination suited to different situations. Official guidance

Find a speech therapist who listens to your communication goals

Tell Clickability about the communication approaches and support you want. Compare speech therapy providers and ask how they involve you and train communication partners.

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