• For people with communication disorders and other disabilities, communication can be difficult or practically impossible. However, there exist a number of tools to help people with communication disabilities convey their ideas. These tools are known as augmentative and alternative communication tools. If you have communication difficulties or care about someone who does, you should know the options for these alternative communication tools.
  
  

Keyboard Devices

• Some alternative communication devices work by having the user simply input their message into a keyboard. The device then converts the text message into speech using a computer program. Keyboard devices can have different speech programs put on them, allowing the user to pick a voice that he thinks fits his personality best. Keyboard devices sometimes have other built-in options alongside simple conversion of text to speech. These options include the ability to send text messages and work as a remote control and personal data assistant. Many keyboard devices can be mounted onto a wheelchair.
  
  

Text Telephones

• Text telephones are alternative communication tools that help the hearing and speech impaired to communicate using the telephone. These devices are commonly known as text telephones, TTYs, telecommunication devices for the deaf or TDDs. Text telephones work by placing a phone on two specially designed acoustical cups or directly into the phone. The user of the TTY types his message into the text telephone device. This message is then transmitted through the phone line, coming out the other end. Generally, both people involved in the conversation must have TDDs to have a conversation.
  
  

Symbol Books

• Many people who do not use speech as their primary means of articulating thoughts and ideas may use symbol books. These books contain symbols that allow people to communicate by pointing. Symbols differ from pictures in that---unlike pictures that contain a great deal of information---they have a much more limited meaning. Symbols in a symbol book range from very straightforward, unambiguous concepts such as yes and no, to complex ideas such as emotions. The symbol book allows the user to construct sentences out of these complex ideas.
  
  

Switch-Operated Devices

• Switch-operated devices are slightly different than other alternative communication devices. They allow the user to record a single message. This message can then be played back by pressing a switch. The aim of the switch-operated tool is not only to enable the user to communicate; it is also used to train users in the cause-and-effect concepts necessary to use other, more complicated alternative methods of communication.