Many people who cannot rely on words to speak struggle to be understood. Loved ones and support people often do their best to apply what they know of the person’s preferences to the planning process, but may fall short because they lack a direct way to ask the person what they think. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods can provide access to communication and serve as a tool to directly understand the thoughts, preferences and choices of people with significant disabilities and communication barriers. AAC technology can support us to understand a non-speaking person even before the person can use the technology themselves. In this presentation, Erin Sheldon, M.Ed., provides an overview of AAC as a tool for self-determination and supported decision making.