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— it's important to note, the study is agnostic in nature, and users of any AAC SGD are welcome. The researchers were not looking at one manufacturer; it’s about the power of AAC 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 added: - 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
-
Quality of Life:
AAC nearly doubles a user’s quality of life. 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 data to back up what clinicians, caregivers, and users have been saying all along:
AAC isn’t a luxury—it’s an essential investment.
Want to Dive Deeper?
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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