A new US study shows AAC devices significantly improve quality of life. How can the data help?

If you’re reading this, chances are you know something about the power of high-tech AAC. Maybe you’ve heard a child say their first words with a communication device. Maybe you’ve seen an adult with ALS tell a joke using just the movement of their eyes. Maybe high-tech AAC has made your own days easier by helping your clients or students express themselves with more clarity.  

You know AAC makes life better for people with complex communication needs and the people who care about them. What if you had data to back what you’ve seen? 

What do the numbers say? 

In collaboration with Boston College, independent research firm Augur surveyed a group of over 1000 people based in the United States with different communication impairments and their caregivers to find out how high-tech AAC affects wellbeing. 

Some key findings about people who use AAC: 

• 72% feel they can express their own desires and preferences              
• 69% feel encouraged to communicate                
• 63% express reduced anxiety and frustration    

Many of the caregivers who responded valued AAC for its ability to create greater understanding: 

• 68% express less guesswork in communication, fewer misunderstandings
• 67% can better understand and meet user needs
• Nearly half feel they can get to know/keep knowing the user on a deeper level

What about societal impact? 

AAC doesn’t only benefit people with disabilities and their immediate circle. The same study found that AAC has positive ripple effects for society, too. In fact, an AAC solution will pay for itself up to 3.3 times within a five-year period. This figure comes mostly from the increased ability of users and caregivers to work, as well as reduced healthcare costs. 

How can we use the data? 

Professionals who serve people with disabilities often run into barriers when trying to secure assistive communication solutions. Use this data to overcome friction:

With individuals & families: 

• To encourage acceptance of AAC by individuals and families
• To emphasize AAC’s impact on caregiver wellbeing
• To convey improvements in effective communication and personal relationships 

With other professionals and funding bodies: 

• To promote disability rights such as self-advocacy 
• To highlight how AAC supports emotional wellbeing and life participation  
• To justify funding for individual devices 

While the process of recommending AAC is different around the world, these findings from the US specific study share themes with studies done in other countries.  

Explore the findings and download the stats poster and other free resources.