AAC Implementation
Introduce AAC more effectively! Here are 3 tips to help you do just that: No. 1 - When you are using AAC apps on an iPad, iPod, or iPhone, always utilize Guided Access. When enabled, Guided Access prevents the students from exiting within an app. This helps them focus on communication instead of trying to exit from the app to explore other apps — which has had a tremendous positive impact on my students. Guided Access is one of my favorite features!
No. 2 - Model, Model, Model — How can we expect our students to use their AAC system without first teaching them how to locate, construct, operate and use language?
This is one of the most enjoyable parts of the AAC teaching process — and it's easy to do. When you are modeling you are showing them how to use the device.
No. 3 - Introduce a new core word each week. l like to introduce the word each week while doing therapy in the classroom. That way I can model the word and let everyone know that this is the word we are highlighting. I have found that introducing new concepts in small chunks helps with implementation. Too much information all at once is overwhelming for everyone and often ends up being abandoned.
Remember to also praise and highlight all accomplishments the AAC user makes. It's important that everyone on the team recognizes accomplishments and praises the AAC user along the way. We all appreciate well-deserved praise, and recognition makes learning that much more satisfying for our students.
More resources:
To enable Guided Access, update to iOS 6.0 and click here to follow the easy directions.
Read Modeling, AAC Style by Carole Zangari to learn more about the importance of modeling.
A fun way to get everyone using AAC and also teach core words.
Read more features by returning to the ADVANCE for SLP’s home page.