What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?
- Alternative and Augmentative Communication
- Tools or technology that help people communicate if they can’t rely on speaking
- Can be unaided (using just your body such as facial expression, gestures, signs) or aided (using objects, pictures (line drawings or photos, or text)
- Can be accessed directly (touch or pointing) or indirectly (e.g., partner-assisted scanning, eye-gaze, switches)
Why AAC?
- Any child whose speech is not effectively meeting their communication needs can benefit from AAC.
- No tech (e.g. gestures), light tech (e.g. pictures, core board), high tech (e.g. iPad app)
- AAC helps an individual send and/or receive messages
- AAC supports Autonomy
- Using AAC can reduce frustration
- Using AAC can increase participation
Lanyard AAC
- Lanyard boards were distributed to all sites.
- Staff and volunteers are encouraged to wear (or bring) the board.
- Try using the board to model key words and/or “interpret” when a child is unclear or having difficulty sending a message.
- Remember: there is no demand for the child to have to imitate!
How you can support a client who uses AAC
- Have the Lanyard board available and accessible.
- Encourage the parent to BRING the child’s AAC system (e.g. core board, device) to all appointments and have it out / accessible.
- Acknowledge all communication.
- Normalize the use of AAC by modeling the use of AAC.
Model without pressure/expectation
- Say something using the AAC (touch a button on a device or point to an icon on their core board that matches your words)
- Wait expectantly (opportunity to respond)
- If the child says something, respond! If the child doesn’t say anything, that is okay!
- Repeat!
What can we model?
- Talk about what the child is doing
- Talk about what you are doing
- Start small and build on success
- Pick 1-2 core words to focus on at first and use them over and over until you’re comfortable
- THEN add more words to your repertoire
A wide variety of communication functions can be modelled. Think about:
- Greeting or saying goodbye
- Sharing enjoyment!
- Commenting on an action/object
- Sharing a feeling
- Protesting
- Indicating the need for a break
- Requesting an item or action
- Asking for help
Tips for using AAC
- Keep the system close! (Take it out of the backpack or bag!)
- Presume competence!
- Give time for the child to respond!
- Exploration is okay! Respond in the same way you would if they were babbling verbally.
- DON’T take away the device/board if the child is not repeating or cooperating. That is their voice!
