Glossary

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Makaton

A language programme that uses a combination of speech, signs (borrowed from British Sign Language), and graphic symbols to support communication for people who have difficulty with spoken language. Unlike BSL, which is a complete natural language with its own grammar, Makaton…

Mediated Communication(also: Proxy Communication, Supported Communication)

Communication that is facilitated or interpreted through a third party, such as a caregiver, support worker, family member, or communication partner who knows the person well. In research involving people with intellectual disabilities or complex communication needs, mediated…

Micro-Culture(also: Communication Micro-Culture, Subculture)

A distinct set of communication norms, practices, and shared understandings that develop within a specific community or group of individuals. In AAC communication, micro-culture refers to the unique "listener-feedback dialect" that AAC users form—blending device output with…

Minimally Verbal(also: Minimally Speaking, Non-Speaking, Limited Verbal)

A term describing individuals who use very few or no spoken words as their primary means of communication, despite potentially having communicative intent. This term is commonly used in autism contexts to describe autistic individuals who may have fewer than 20-30 functional…

Mixed Hearing Groups(also: Mixed Hearing Settings, Mixed Ability Hearing Groups)

Groups that include people with different hearing abilities, typically d/Deaf individuals, hard of hearing individuals, hearing individuals, and sign language interpreters communicating together. Mixed hearing groups face unique challenges in both in-person and virtual settings…

Mobile AAC(also: Smartphone AAC, App-Based AAC)

Augmentative and alternative communication systems delivered through mainstream mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, rather than dedicated AAC hardware. Mobile AAC applications can significantly reduce costs and stigma associated with dedicated devices, and are…

MobileASL

A research project from the University of Washington that developed video compression technology enabling real-time, two-way American Sign Language (ASL) video communication on mobile phones. MobileASL addressed the challenge that standard mobile video calling consumed too much…

Morse Code(also: Morse Code Input)

A communication system that encodes text characters as sequences of short signals (dots) and long signals (dashes). Originally developed for telegraphy, Morse code has found significant application in assistive technology as an alternative text input method for people with…

Motion-Based AAC(also: Physical Expressive AAC, Expressive Sidekick)

An emerging form of augmentative and alternative communication that uses physical movement of objects or robotic devices to convey nonverbal communicative intent during conversations. Unlike traditional AAC which focuses on generating speech, motion-based AAC addresses the…

Multi-Modal Communication(also: Multimodal Communication)

Communication that simultaneously uses multiple channels or modes—such as speech, gesture, facial expression, gaze, device output, and body movement—to convey meaning. AAC users are inherently multi-modal communicators, blending whatever channels are available to them to create…

Multichannel Signal(also: Multi-Channel Signal, Parallel Signal Channels)

A communication signal that conveys information simultaneously through multiple independent or semi-independent channels. In the context of sign languages, a multichannel signal includes the concurrent streams produced by a signer: manual signs (dominant and non-dominant hand…

Multilingual AAC(also: Multilingual Communication Device)

Augmentative and alternative communication systems designed to support communication in multiple languages, reflecting the linguistic diversity of users and their communication partners. Multilingual AAC is particularly important in the Global South, where multilingualism is…

Music Therapy

A clinical and evidence-based practice that uses music interventions to accomplish individualized therapeutic goals, including improving communication, social interaction, emotional expression, and motor skills. For people with disabilities, music therapy can be particularly…

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