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How do we go from, “no one uses AAC” and “the devices are in their backpacks” to all students having access to robust communication devices, and actually using them, all day long? Here are three steps to get your classrooms moving in the right direction:
Set the Stage: Access and Autonomy First
As you saw earlier in this series, a crucial first step is to make sure the kids have their devices available at all times. As my district’s AAC specialist, I try to make it easy for staff members by including straps on the high-tech devices, and providing lots of lite-tech copies.
Remember, no matter where you are in this process, you do not have to prompt the AAC users to imitate your modeling. In fact, it’s better if you don’t! Make sure all staff members understand a communication partner’s job: Just model with no expectation that the user will repeat. If you are patient and give them time, the long-term result will be spontaneous, autonomous language.
Start Small and Make it FUN!
One of my favorite questions for a new communication partner is, “What is the first activity you would like to try this with?”. Whatever is already working in the classroom, we can add modeling to it! Look for a really fun, motivating communication activity, and ideally it should be something that also targets literacy. Here are a few ideas for high-impact, low-prep, whole-group, “starter activities” that I’ve had success with, which can be adapted to any grade level and any learner:
Add Repetition and Variety
Once you have one activity down, don’t stop there! Re-use the words that you modeled in your “starter activity” during other routines throughout the day. If you read a book about the core word “go,” model it again as you and your student “go” outside, “go” home, or “go” to the next center. If you do a “coreoke” song about “eat,” you can also model “eat” during snack and lunch times. The repetition is extremely valuable for AAC users, and adding variety helps to keep them engaged.
As you learn more core words, you may feel ready to model new fringe vocabulary too. For example, during snack, perhaps you can also model words from the food and drinks page, or even explore the “chat” page, since it’s common to talk about many topics while at the table! Continue to add new routines, and soon you’ll find yourself using AAC all day long.
While you’re on this journey, make sure you’re collecting and sharing data. Seeing a beautiful chart with student progress is such a great way to stay motivated and keep going! There is truly nothing better than knowing you have made a difference in a child’s life.
Author’s Note: Thank you so much for reading this series! What else would you like to know about AAC? Leave a comment, find me on social media, or send me an email! Your question might just become the next blog post topic.