Hey Tek-ninjas! I’m excited to share some fascinating findings from a recent study out of Germany that shines a bright light on the real-world impact of high-tech AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) solutions.
This research, conducted by Augur and Prof. Dr. Tom Stargardt at the Hamburg Center of Health Economics, was commissioned by Dynavox Group—but here’s the kicker: participants could use any AAC brand. So, this isn’t just about one manufacturer; it’s about the power of assistive communication as a whole.
What Did They Do?
From October 2024 to March 2025, researchers interviewed:
- 12 users and caregivers (physical/digital interviews)
- 6 professionals
That’s 18 in-depth conversations to start.
Then they went big: - 188 online surveys with users and caregivers across Germany.
This wasn’t a small sample—it’s a robust look at AAC in action.
The Big Takeaways
Here’s what blew me away:
-
Quality of Life:
AAC nearly doubles a user’s quality of life. Think about that. For someone who struggles to communicate, these tools aren’t just helpful—they’re transformative. -
Return on Investment:
High-tech AAC solutions pay for themselves about 1.4 times over. That’s not just good for individuals—it’s good economics. Investing in communication pays dividends for society.
Why Does This Matter?
For years, we’ve known AAC changes lives. This study gives us hard data to back up what clinicians, caregivers, and users have been saying all along:
Assistive communication isn’t a luxury—it’s an essential investment.
Want to Dive Deeper?
You can grab:
All free of charge.
As someone who’s spent years in the AAC space, I love seeing research that validates what we do. If you’re a therapist, educator, or advocate, share this with your team. Let’s keep pushing for access, because communication is a human right.
Stay sharp, Tek-ninjas, and happy Thanksgiving if you celebrate!
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