COMMON FACTS ABOUT AAC:  Research has provided useful information about the benefits of AAC and how AAC helps people communicate. 

1).  Research shows that AAC benefits people of ALL ages (even those younger than 3 years of age).  

2).  There are NO prerequisites for using AAC.  

3).  AAC does NOT hinder a person from developing verbal speech.  

4).  AAC systems can be used in a variety of ways besides directly touching the system.  The team consisting of the occupational therapist (OT), speech-language pathologist (SLP), and physical therapist (PT) can help determine the best way for each person to access the AAC system. 

MODELING AAC:  

• The best way to teach an Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC) user is by modeling, not by prompting them to say things on their device.  

• Modeling simply means that we use AAC to talk with the AAC user. This may feel counter-intuitive.  

• The communication partner must learn the AAC system and practice using it while engaged with the student.

• Decades of research supports that AAC Modeling works. 

• Model words and phrases that lead to FUN INTERACTIONS, promoting relationships, and CONTROL of the environment.  

• Learning AAC takes time. Remember that we might not see results immediately and some AAC learners will need MONTHS and MONTHS of modelling before they are ready to begin to use AAC themselves.

• AAC users need to "babble" too!  Typically developing children get to hear spoken language modelled to them for 12-18 months before they are expected to say a single word!  Before they say any words, verbal children will have typically spent time playing around and experimenting with different speech sounds by babbling.

• Pause and allow the AAC user time to respond. 

• Teach AAC users to communicate for a wide variety of reasons beyond requesting (e.g., complaining, protesting, exclaiming, telling jokes, describing, asking questions, expressing opinions, greeting, etc.).  

To learn more, watch one of the following videos.

LAMP WORDS FOR LIFE COMMUNICATION APP:  LAMP Words for Life is a robust augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app that combines the power of the PRC unity language system with language acquisition through motor planning (LAMP) principles and strategies.

PROLOQUO 2 GO COMMUNICATION APP: Proloquo2Go is an app designed to help teachers and therapists empower kids who have limited or no speech with an alternative way to communicate. It uses an adaptable, multi-size grid format to present images and words on "buttons." Buttons represent different groups of items, actions, "little words," and more. Students can choose from single words or combine words to make detailed sentences that express their wants, needs, or emotions –- almost anything. You can add buttons using your own pictures or images that are meaningful to each user.

PRINT YOUR AAC:  Contains screenshots, core boards, symbol and visual schedules available for all to access.