It is important to program your child's device to fit their skills, interests, and needs. Some things a person might want to talk about that will need to be programmed into their device include:
Personal information and contact information, such as name, age, birthday, address, and phone number.
The names of important people in their life.
Favourite activities, such as going for walks, video games, YouTube, etc.
Places that they visits regularly or enjoy visiting.
Food and drink that they likes and dislikes.
Daily care needs such as repositioning a wheelchair, etc.
Medical needs such as medications, illness, or feeding tubes.
Turn the corner
My turn/ your turn
Turn off
Turn on
Turn up
Turn down
Turn over
Turn around
Aided language stimulation (ALS) is a communication strategy, where a communication partner teaches what the symbols mean and models language by combining his or her own verbal input with selection of vocabulary on the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system. This is done by simultaneously selecting vocabulary on the AAC system and speaking. Using the strategies and tips outlined above, you will be providing aided language stimulation to your child, which is essential for their language development as they learn to use their AAC device to communicate.
Student (on device): “Strawberry”
Adult (verbally): “You want the strawberries?”
Adult (on device while verbally responding): “Want… strawberries.”
Adult (verbally and on device): “What did you do this weekend?”
Student (on device): “Go Grandma House”
Adult (verbally): You went to Grandma’s house! I bet that was fun.”
Adult (on device while verbally responding): “Went to Grandma’s house.”