AAC Implementation

AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication) device implementation is often compared to learning a second language (student) or teaching someone a second language (communication partner). The communication partner should use teaching strategies that encourage constant interaction with the device and vocabulary. The student is the learner and should be given specific learning opportunities that have been set up to elicit language. Words spoken with the AAC device should be accepted as meaningful. The communication partner should assume the AAC device user is competent to learn and use symbols/messages in a purposeful way.

CORE Language

Core language are those words that we use greater than 80% of the time. Core words include about 200-400 total words. If we had to speak using only these core words, we could say about 80% of what we want to say.

Examples of core words include: pronouns, adjectives, question words, interjections, prepositions, determiners, adverbs, conjunctions, helping verbs and verbs. For more information, see: 100 Frequently Used Core Words

The significance of core words is that students need to be provided with these words with a high priority for teaching. This means that if we teach these core words, our students will be able to say most of what they want to say. The opposite of core words are FRINGE words- which are used also but with much less frequency. Fringe words make up the other 20% of what we say.