ABSTRACT
The Hub and Spoke model of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) commissioning from NHS England was introduced in 2015. This provision model sets out how local and regional services should work together to provide AAC support for those with the most complex communication needs. The chapter provides rough guide to communication apps, specialist software and hardware. A voice amplifier is an option for people who have a very quiet voice, perhaps because of insufficient breath support, or because of damage to their larynx after intubation. The communication apps that have a full vocabulary package fall broadly into three display designs. These may be used in combination: visual scene displays, symbol grids, and text-to-speech. Communication apps nearly all have voice output. There are various types of voice output: recorded speech, synthesised speech, digitised speech, and voice-banking. The chapter also provides commonly used software to support curriculum learning and word processing.
