International AAC Awareness Month October 2026

October is International AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Month, celebrating communication diversity, and highlighting non-verbal communication tools.

International AAC Awareness Month is celebrated around the world each October to raise awareness of AAC. This year’s theme is AAC in Everyday Life: Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond.

The goal is to celebrate communication diversity and highlight non-verbal communication tools, such as alphabet and communication boards and electronic communication devices, along with AAC options that don’t require a board or a device. This includes body language, facial expression and gestures, and sign language.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1.2 million Australians have a communication disability and use options other than speech to communicate.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication is typically used by deaf children and adults who have co-occurring physical, motor or cognitive challenges that make signing or speaking difficult.

For many deaf and hard of hearing children, AAC offers an accessible form of expressive language that expands their access to communication, increases confidence, and can be effectively used alongside Auslan.

In celebrating International AAC Awareness Month, we focus on the 40% to 50% of deaf children in Victorian schools who have additional disabilities and diverse learning needs and we acknowledge the educators and school communities who support them.

Read more about how the Department of Education supports AAC