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On Friday the Speech-Language Department launched the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) club at the Department for Social Welfare Standards. The club seeks to provide all AAC users with a forum for discussion as well as the opportunity to interact with other AAC users, both locally and internationally.

There are people for whom speech is not a valid form of communication. Several factors may affect the ability to speak. While this is a very frustrating circumstance, there are several ways in which communication may be achieved via alternative methods or augmentation of existing communicative abilities.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) describes methods of communication which reinforces any residual communication ability and also provides alternatives when speech is not an efficient mode of communication. These can include sign language and gestures, systems based on symbols, simple communication devices or complex electronic devices. In short, no matter what method is used, the goal is effective communication.

The Hon. Joseph Cassar, Parliamentary Secretary for Health, introduced the club and stated that he “was pleased to hear that the Speech and Language Department is a providing an opportunity for AAC users, their parents and carers to interact with each other.”

Dr Cassar, together with Dr Rita Micallef, Manager of the Speech-Language Department, presented the awards to the winners of the AAC creative competition, which was open to all school-aged children. The competition was supported by ESL Gross market who sponsored the competition with their brand Creatives. They also presented all competition entrants with preference cards. The preference card entitles them to a discount when purchasing items from ESL Gross markets.

During the launch Dr Rita Micallef, introduced the services provided by the department and described the fundamental role of the Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) in AAC.

Dr Micallef said that, “the SLPs role is to assess the individual’s communication skills, design an intervention programme and assist the individual in the choice of the system. The SLP also monitors the development of the individual’s communication needs to ensure the system’s ongoing effectiveness”.

During the launch Ms Veronica Montanaro, a speech and language pathologist, gave an introduction to AAC and provided an overview of the AAC club. One parent said “I am excited that my child is able to interact with other children using their AAC devices. This will provide an opportunity for more effective communication.”

Following the launch, parents, carers and AAC users were able to register for the club. Any other AAC users can register with the club by contacting the Speech-Language Department on speechlanguage@gov.mt or on 21230822.