Global Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device Market - 2023-2030

Global Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device Market - 2023-2030

Global augmentative and alternative communication device market reached US$ XX million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ XX million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) encompasses a range of methods, tools and strategies that enhance or replace spoken language for children facing communication difficulties. AAC can benefit children with a wide range of conditions, including developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy and aphasia among others. It supports expressive communication by providing children with alternative ways to convey their thoughts, ideas and needs.

An augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device is a tablet or laptop that helps someone with a speech or language impairment to communicate. The term AAC device is often used interchangeably with terms like speech-generating device or assistive communication device or simply communication device. AAC devices help users to communicate through a combination of words, sentences and images that the device then “says out loud.” Additionally, users can also communicate by typing or drawing, sharing pictures and videos, or even repeating words they hear out loud.

Market Dynamics: Drivers

Rising adoption of advanced AAC devices

The rising adoption of advanced AAC devices is expected to drive the market over the forecast period. The advanced AAC devices improve speech and comprehension through activities, videos and quizzes and allow one to connect with others online or in person. Ongoing technological advancements have led to the development of more sophisticated AAC devices with improved features, such as natural-sounding voice output, touchscreen interfaces, eye-tracking technology and integration with other devices.

For instance, on September 1, 2020, Control Bionics released the newest addition to its Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device line, the GridPad Trilogy communication solution. The new neuro-based voice output communication aid is intended to help people living with a range of conditions, including ALS, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Cerebral Palsy and Spinal Cord Injury, find their voice.

In addition, offering touch control, eye control, and NeuroNode 3.0 control within the same system, the GridPad Trilogy is a unique 3-in-1 AAC device that progresses and grows with clients and their abilities. It allows for faster communication, at rates up to 133 percent that of other systems. And, because it offers multiple access methods within the same system, the traditional insurance barriers are alleviated, making it accessible to those who need it most.

Advanced AAC devices often offer greater customization and personalization options, allowing users to tailor the system to their specific communication needs. Advancements in technology have made AAC devices more accessible and user-friendly. Many devices now leverage mainstream technologies like tablets and smartphones, making them familiar and easy to use for individuals of all ages.

For instance, in July 2021, Smartbox Assistive Technology and Smart Eye launched Lumin-I, a unique and advanced eye-tracking product that will enable augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) users with complex and limited mobility to have a voice. Lumin-i features Smart Eye’s robust eye-tracking algorithms, offering a high level of accuracy and enabling a responsive solution. The assistive solution has also been developed to work outdoors, allowing Lumin-i users to access their communication devices anywhere.

Further, the increasing prevalence of various speech disorders, rising FDA approvals for novel devices, increasing awareness about AAC devices and rising technological advancements in developing AAC devices with various features are the factors expected to drive the market over the forecast period.

Restraints

Factors such as the high cost of AAC devices, difficulty in hearing vocals clearly and distortion when listening to music or audiobooks, AAC assessments may be time-consuming and unmet needs are the factors expected to hamper the market.

Segment Analysis

The global augmentative and alternative communication device market is segmented based on device type, application, end-user and region.

The aided communication systems segment accounted for approximately 56.6% of the augmentative and alternative communication device market share

The aided communication systems segment is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period. Aided AAC devices enhance communication. This can include communication boards with symbols or pictures, speech-generating devices and mobile applications. These aids allow children to select and communicate specific words, phrases or ideas, promoting clarity and understanding.

Aided AAC is divided into two categories such as low-tech aids and high-tech aids. AAC aids that require a power source but are simple and easy to program. Examples of low-tech equipment include one-button switches that can produce a single message or manipulate a toy, audiobooks and digital picture frames. Devices that utilize computer technology and are very complex, require extensive training to program and use. Examples of high-tech devices include computers, tablets and Speech Generating Devices.

For instance, on September 13, 2021, Global Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) provider Smartbox Assistive Technology, launched Grid Pad 10s, a high-performance communication aid that will give disabled children and adults a voice. An Intel i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD hard drive make it the fastest 10” AAC device. Versatile access and positioning options make Grid Pad 10s suitable for a wide range of complex needs.

Geographical Analysis

North America accounted for approximately 41.3% of the market share

North America region is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period owing to the strong presence of major players and the increasing prevalence of speech-related problems in the region. North America especially the United States is well known for its strong presence of major players like medical device companies, which aim to focus on the development of more advanced AAC devices with various enhanced features.

For instance, on February 22, 2022, Tobii Dynavox launched the TD I-110, it is a touch-based speech generating device for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). The communication aid has an ultra-rugged design and powerful performance to fit the needs of individuals with speech impairments and disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and aphasia.

In addition, the new TD I-110 is a purpose-built, Windows-based communication device that caters to the needs of active people with autism, in many cases children, who need a durable device that can keep up with their daily activity. This next-generation TD I-110 will deliver an even more durable design and enhanced performance.

In addition, there is an increasing prevalence of various speech-related disorders in the region increasing the demand for various types of AAC devices. For instance, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, nearly 1 in 12 U.S. children ages 3-17 has had a disorder related to voice, speech, language or swallowing. Nearly half of U.S. children ages 3-17 with a voice, speech, language or swallowing disorder have not received intervention services in the past year. 3 million+ Americans stutter. Approximately 9.4 million adults report having a problem using their voice that lasted one week or longer. Approximately 2 million Americans suffer from aphasia.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the augmentative and alternative communication device market include PRC-Saltillo, Talk To Me Technologies LLC, Tobii Dynavox AB, Liberator Pty Ltd, Smartbox Assistive Technology, Inclusive Technology, Adaptive Tech Solutions, LLC., Jabbla, Enabling Devices and Control Bionics, Inc. among others.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the global augmentative and alternative communication device market. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the disability network across the world. Millions of people cannot use their natural speech. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools help these people to communicate. Often, people who use AAC need ongoing support. During the pandemic, many AAC services stopped to keep people safe. In addition, many AAC professionals provide tele-AAC services by using various devices during COVID-19 and beyond.

Market Segmentation

By Device Type
• Unaided Communication Systems
• Aided Communication Systems
Low-Tech AAC
High-Tech AAC

By Application
• Developmental Disabilities
• Acquired Disorders
• Progressive Disorders
• Cognitive-Communication Disorders
• Others

By End-User
• Hospitals
• Specialty Clinics
• Speech Therapy Centers
• Homecare
• Others

By Region
• North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
U.K.
France
Spain
Italy
Rest of Europe
• South America
Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Why Purchase the Report?
• To visualize the global augmentative and alternative communication device market segmentation based on device type, application, end-user and region as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of augmentative and alternative communication device market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global augmentative and alternative communication device market report would provide approximately 61 tables, 60 figures, and 189 Pages.

Target Audience 2023
• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies