Greensburg, IN – May 11, 2026 – Communication is one of the most fundamental human needs. It allows people to share their thoughts, express their needs, build relationships, and participate fully in everyday life. For some individuals, however, spoken language alone is not enough.
At Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH), speech-language pathologists help patients access communication through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), tools that provide new ways for individuals to express themselves.
AAC can take many forms. Some systems are low-tech, such as picture boards or communication books. Others are high-tech devices, often tablets equipped with specialized communication applications that allow users to select words, phrases, or symbols that are spoken aloud by the device.
While AAC can benefit individuals of all ages, many of the patients served through DCMH’s program are children who need additional support in developing communication skills. AAC may also be used by adults following illness or injury, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurological conditions such as ALS.
Speech-language pathologists play a central role in identifying when AAC may be beneficial and guiding families through the process. This work begins with a comprehensive evaluation to understand how a patient currently communicates and what type of support may help them communicate more effectively.
“There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to AAC,” explained Heather Riga, Speech-Language Pathologist at DCMH. “Every patient has different strengths, needs, and environments where communication happens.”
Finding the right system often involves trialing multiple devices or communication programs during therapy sessions and in everyday settings such as home or school. Speech-language pathologists work closely with families, teachers, and other care providers to determine which tools best support the patient’s communication needs.
Once a system is selected, therapists help patients and caregivers learn how to use it effectively and incorporate it into daily routines. This collaborative approach allows communication to extend beyond therapy sessions and into the environments where it matters most.
For many patients, the impact is immediate and meaningful.
Families have reported their children using AAC devices both at home and in school, allowing them to participate more fully in activities and interactions with others. Therapists have also observed reduced frustration as patients gain the ability to clearly express their wants, needs, thoughts, and ideas.
For caregivers and educators, AAC can open new doors to understanding.
When parents, teachers, and therapists model language using the device during daily routines such as playing, eating, or outdoor activities, patients begin to build vocabulary and confidence in communication.
Despite the life-changing potential of AAC, access to these devices can sometimes be challenging. High-tech systems can be expensive, and obtaining coverage often requires extensive documentation, evaluations, and coordination with insurance providers. Even after a device is recommended, insurance coverage may be denied, creating additional barriers for families seeking communication support.
Speech-language pathologists often help families navigate this complex process, coordinating device trials, completing required documentation, and advocating for coverage when possible. When funding barriers arise, they may also help connect families with additional resources that could assist with obtaining a device.
As more patients begin using AAC, the DCMH Speech Therapy team continues to expand its expertise and education in this growing area of care.
“With more AAC users on our caseload than ever before, we are continuing to learn new ways to support communication across therapy sessions, homes, schools, and the community,” Olivia Wilmer, Speech-Language Pathologist at DCMH, shared. “Our goal is to ensure every patient has access to a way to communicate.”
At its core, AAC is about something simple but powerful: giving individuals a voice.
Spoken language is only one form of communication. Pictures, gestures, signs, and speaking devices are all valid and meaningful ways for people to express themselves. For many AAC users, these tools provide the opportunity to participate more fully in conversations, relationships, and everyday experiences.
If a child or adult is experiencing difficulty communicating, a speech-language evaluation may help identify tools and strategies to support communication.
Learn more about speech therapy services at Decatur County Memorial Hospital at dcmh.net/speech-therapy
To schedule an evaluation, call 812-222-DOCS (3627) or visit dcmh.net/patient-portal to schedule an appointment to speak with your Family Medicine provider about a referral.
Photo L to R: Olivia Wilmer and Heather Riga
