Relevance and Challenges for AAC Implementation

Updated by Global Symbols with UNICEF ECARO

The importance of AAC should not be underestimated, but neither should the challenges when introducing the strategies and technologies required:

Relevance of AAC Challenges
Out of 240 million children with disabilities in the world, 20 million have communication related disabilities (due to CP, Autism, Trauma); 4 million children in need are 2-4 years old Technology-based solutions for communication challenges are unknown, extremely expensive, unavailable in the regional languages, and there are very few local developers
Language, communication and interaction are foundational for school education. These skills are formed in the early years when the brain is developing rapidly. Early intervention is both more effective and less costly than later remediation Many professionals do not have the required knowledge and skills to support children and parents with ATs. No formal trainings or university courses available

See Also