Allied health and therapy
NDIS Communication Devices and AAC
AAC, or augmentative and alternative communication, is any way of communicating that adds to or replaces speech. It ranges from picture boards and key word sign to tablets, speech-generating devices and other NDIS communication devices. On Solotude, you can find independent speech pathologists who assess for and set up AAC.
Last updated October 2026
What AAC can include
- Key word sign and gestures
- Picture boards, books and visual supports
- Communication apps on a tablet
- Speech-generating devices
- Eye-gaze and switch access for people with limited movement
- Training for the person, their family and support workers
How it works
- A speech pathologist assesses your communication and what you need AAC to do.
- You trial different options, often borrowing devices before buying.
- The speech pathologist recommends the best fit and writes the evidence the NDIS needs.
- Once it’s funded, they set it up, and train you and the people around you to use it.
Who provides communication devices and aac?
AAC is led by speech pathologists. For people with limited movement, an occupational therapist often helps work out how to access and mount the device.Speech pathologists
Assess for AAC, run trials, write recommendations and train everyone to use it. About NDIS speech pathologists · Speech pathologists in SydneyOccupational therapists
Help with access and positioning, like mounting a device or setting up switch access. About NDIS occupational therapists · Occupational therapists in SydneyHow much does NDIS communication devices and aac cost?
The device itself is funded from the Capital part of your plan, under Assistive Technology. Lower cost items and apps may be bought from your Core budget. The assessment, trial and training are paid from your therapy funding, at an hourly rate within the NDIS price limit. Every provider on Solotude shows their rate on their profile, so you know the cost before you message them. For current price limits, check the official NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.Finding communication devices and aac on Solotude
- Create a free account. It takes a couple of minutes and you don’t need your NDIS number. Create a free account
- Search for speech pathologists by your suburb, the days you need and the support you’re after.
- Read profiles and see exactly what Solotude has checked for each provider.
- Message providers directly. Your phone and email stay private until you choose to share them.
- Agree the support and the price in a service agreement between the two of you.
Frequently asked questions
Does the NDIS pay for communication devices?
Yes, where they’re reasonable and necessary for your disability. More expensive devices need evidence from a speech pathologist and approval before you buy.What is AAC?
AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication. It’s any way of communicating that adds to or replaces speech, like signing, picture boards, apps or speech-generating devices.Can I try a communication device before the NDIS buys it?
Yes, and you should. Speech pathologists usually arrange trials, often using loan devices, so you can find the right fit first.Who decides which device is right?
You do, with advice from your speech pathologist. They assess your needs, run trials and recommend the best fit, and the NDIS approves the funding.Is training included?
Training is a key part of AAC. Your speech pathologist can train you, your family and support workers, paid from your therapy funding.Related services
