OpenAAC

About

OpenAAC is an open-source community initiative dedicated to making AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) tools accessible to everyone — regardless of budget or insurance coverage. The site serves as a central hub connecting families, therapists, educators, and developers with free and open AAC applications, symbol sets, vocabulary libraries, and technical standards. It emerged from frustration with the high cost and fragmentation of commercial AAC systems, and the belief that communication is too important to be locked behind proprietary paywalls.

What It Offers

• App directory: A curated list of free and open-source AAC applications for web, iOS, and Android
• Symbol sets: Open-licensed symbol libraries that can be used in custom communication boards and AAC apps without licensing fees
• Vocabulary resources: Ready-to-use core vocabulary sets and communication board templates in open formats
• Developer resources: Technical documentation and open standards for building AAC tools that interoperate with other systems
• Community contributions: Open platform where developers, therapists, and AAC users contribute tools and resources

Who It's For

OpenAAC is valuable for anyone who uses or supports AAC — from newly diagnosed non-speaking children to adults with acquired communication disabilities. It is particularly important for families who cannot afford commercial AAC systems, school districts looking for budget-friendly options, and developers wanting to build interoperable AAC tools. All resources are freely accessible and openly licensed.