مجلة السراج في التربية وقضايا المجتمع
Volume 10, Numéro 2, Pages 49-67
2026-06-07

Implementing Augmentative And Alternative Communication (aac) For Adults With Intellectual Disability: Challenges, Strategies, And Quality-of-life Outcomes



Authors : El Hassani Ibtissem .

Abstract

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) encompasses a range of tools and strategies designed to supplement or replace speech in order to support functional communication in individuals with language limitations. While AAC has been extensively documented in pediatric populations, its implementation among adults with intellectual disability remains comparatively underexplored and inconsistently applied in real-life contexts. This critical review examines the main challenges associated with AAC implementation in adulthood, including organizational constraints, communication partner factors, and individual characteristics. It also analyzes key implementation strategies, such as structured partner training, progressive system adaptation, cross-setting consistency, and communication accessibility within adult services. Particular attention is paid to the impact of AAC on core dimensions of quality of life, including self-determination, social participation, emotional well-being, and access to healthcare. Available evidence indicates that AAC may enhance autonomous choice-making, communicative initiation, and meaningful participation, while contributing to the reduction of certain challenging behaviors when environmental supports are adequately established. However, outcomes appear closely dependent on implementation quality, contextual coherence, and continuity of support. Practical recommendations are proposed to promote sustainable integration of AAC within adult care pathways and living environments, emphasizing personalized, collaborative, and context-sensitive approaches.

Keywords

implementation ; Augmentative and Alternative Communication ; intellectual disability ; communication partners

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