AAC at KIPP
"First and foremost, I hope more non-speakers get access to robust communication much quicker than has historically happened. This would create so many more opportunities and help us shift the narrative about our own lives and what is possible. I also hope the educational system can be continuously pushed and shifted to be more inclusive of all communication needs and access methods."
- Jordyn Zimmerman, AAC-user and activist
Assessing AAC Needs at KIPP Texas
AAC Referral Questions:
Does the student:
Use spoken language for at least three communication functions (e.g., requesting, commenting, asking questions, refusing, social interaction)?
Initiate verbal communication independently?
Participate in all communication tasks expected of peers across settings?
Consistently rely on spoken language for their all communication needs?
Are you able to understand at least 70% of the student’s spoken language?
If not, is the student becoming more comprehensible over time?
Answer ‘no’ to any of the referral questions above? Flag AAC needs within an initial speech/language referral or complete an AAC referral form.
The flowchart provides a broad overview of what to expect throughout the AAC assessment process.
*SLPs - please refer to the more detailed version of this flowchart for additional info and hyperlinks - here.
Additional Resources
How are we making decisions about what system or device is recommended? Please see: Where to start considering AAC Systems and Apps
Looking for information on the AAC assessment and device procurement process? Please see: What KTX Schools Can Expect: AT/AAC Eval & Procurement Info for School Team
Why not add AAC software to an already-available Chromebook? Please see: Why a Designated AAC Device?