AAClaitteet

AAClaitteet is a term encountered in Finnish-speaking educational, clinical, and research settings to denote devices that support augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The word combines the acronym AAC with the Finnish word laitteet, meaning devices, and is used to discuss the hardware and integrated systems that enable communication for people with limited or no natural speech. The term is informal but widely understood among speech-language pathologists, educators, and assistive-technology professionals.

AAClaitteet encompasses a broad range of hardware and software solutions. Hardware includes dedicated speech-generating devices, tablets or smartphones running AAC apps, eye-gaze and head-tracking systems, switches, and mounting accessories. Software components cover symbol-based and text-based communication applications, symbol sets aligned with literacy goals, literacy supports, and interoperability with other assistive technologies such as environmental controls and computer access tools. Customization and localization are common, enabling users to tailor vocabularies, voices, and interfaces to individual communication needs and everyday contexts.

Applications and user groups focus on individuals with complex communication needs stemming from conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, degenerative conditions, or acquired disabilities. Practice emphasizes user-centered design, collaboration among speech-language pathologists, educators, families, and technicians, and ongoing training to maximize independence and participation in daily activities, education, and social life.

See also: Augmentative and alternative communication, Speech-generating device, AAC apps, Assistive technology.