American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, complex language that uses signs made by moving the hands combined with facial expressions and postures of the body. It is the primary language of many North Americans who are deaf and is one of several communication options used by people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing or individuals with difficulty communicating.

Electronic augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems used to supplement or replace speech or writing for individuals with severe speech impairments, enabling them to verbally communicate.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Some SLPs support the use of AAC systems for individuals with severe expressive and/or language comprehension disorders.

A static AAC system has a fixed set or grid of choices or icons. An example of this could be what is commonly referred to as a “choice board.”

A graphic representation of words, phrases, or expressions used to convey messages. There are many different symbol sets including the alphabet, picture-like graphics, or combinations of different elements or forms to depict meanings. For people who cannot read or write, the ability to represent messages with symbols is central to communication.