Every Voice Matters: Celebrating AAC Awareness Month with MCM’s ECIS Team

October is AAC Awareness Month – raising awareness about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ACC) for children and families. It is a time to recognise and celebrate the many ways people communicate. At MCM’s Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECIS), we honour all forms of communication and the unique ways children express themselves. This might be through movement, sound, signs, visuals, technology, and more.

AAC, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication, includes a wide range of tools and strategies that support communication beyond speech. This might look like a child pointing to a picture to choose a snack, using a speech-generating device to say, “I want to play,” or signing “finished” to end an activity. These are powerful, meaningful expressions of identity, autonomy, and connection.

Why AAC matters

Every child has the right to communicate in ways that work for them. AAC supports communication in many forms. For some children, it is their primary way of expressing themselves. For others, it complements spoken language. AAC tools, such as visuals, signs, gestures, and speech-generating devices, are simply different ways to communicate. All are equally valid and meaningful. What matters most is that each child has access to the tools that help them connect, share, and thrive.

How MCM’s ECIS team supports AAC for children

At MCM, our ECIS team partners with families to explore communication tools that align with each child’s strengths, interests, and goals. We take a neuroaffirming, strengths-based approach that celebrates each child’s unique communication style.

Our speech pathologists and key workers:

• Model AAC in everyday routines, helping families and educators embed communication opportunities into play, mealtimes, and transitions.
• Support children to build confidence and autonomy, whether they are making choices, expressing emotions, or connecting with peers.
• Equip families and educators with practical, affirming strategies to support communication growth in natural, joyful ways.
• Guide families through the process of trialing AAC devices, completing prescriptions and funding applications, and providing training so children can confidently use their own dedicated communication tools.

We know that communication is deeply personal. That is why we focus on creating inclusive environments where every child’s voice is welcomed, respected, and supported.

Why families and professionals choose MCM’s Early Childhood Intervention Services

Whether you are a family looking for support or a professional looking to make a difference, MCM’s ECIS team is here and growing. We are proud to offer:

• A transdisciplinary team of speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers, and allied health assistants
• A commitment to inclusive, neuroaffirming practice
• A collaborative, child- and family-centred approach
• Opportunities to work across diverse communities and settings

We are passionate about helping children find and use their voice. We are always looking for like-minded professionals to join us.

Learn more

• Visit ISAAC’s AAC Awareness Month page to explore global stories and resources.
• Learn more about MCM’s Early Childhood Intervention Services and how we support children and families.
• Read some of our communication tips