Click here for resources to support the home use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication. 

🧩 PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)

📄 Handout: What is PECS?
Learn how PECS helps children communicate using pictures.
👉 Step-by-step guide to implementing PECS

🗣️ AAC Teaching Strategies

📄 Aided Language Stimulation
Discover how to support your child’s communication using aided language strategies.
👉 Handout: Aided Language Stimulation

🎥 Video Demonstrations
Watch real-life examples of aided language stimulation in action:

• Communication Tips & Strategies

• En Ting and Family using Aided Language Stimulation

📄 AAC Vocabulary Explained
Understand core vs. fringe vocabulary and how to model words effectively.
👉 AAC Vocabulary Handout

📄 Tip Sheet: Motivating Communication
Learn how to create opportunities that encourage your child to communicate.
👉 Communicative Temptations Guide

🎨 AAC Activities

🎥 Creative AAC Ideas
Explore fun and engaging ways to use AAC with your child.
👉 Video and strategies for AAC activities

📄 Daily AAC Planning
Simple ways to include AAC throughout your daily routines.
👉 5 Ways to Use AAC Throughout the Day

📚 Core First Books & Lesson Plans
Download printable books designed to support core word learning through repetition and modeling.
👉 Core First Books Collection

✅ DO’s of AAC

• Use the AAC system to talk yourself
  Model communication by using the system actively.
  
  

• Aim high
  Set ambitious goals for communication and language development.
  
  

• Use a well-designed, comprehensive vocabulary
  Prioritize systems like core vocabulary or PODD that support rich expression.
  
  

• Provide enough wait time
  Give AAC users time to process and respond.
  
  

• Ask open-ended questions
  Encourage thoughtful, expressive answers.
  
  

• Focus on key words when modelling
  Highlight essential vocabulary to support learning.
  
  

• Respect multi-modal communication
  Value gestures, vocalizations, signs, and other forms of expression.
  
  

• Allow exploration and access to the whole vocabulary
  Let users navigate and discover language freely.
  
  

• Make sure AAC is available all day, every day
  Consistent access builds fluency and confidence.
  
  

• Describe what you want to say using core words
  Teach flexible, reusable language for everyday communication.
  
  

❌ DON’Ts of AAC

• Don’t expect the AAC user to communicate without modelling
  Demonstrate how to use the system regularly.
  
  

• Don’t demand prerequisite skills
  Everyone deserves access to communication, regardless of ability.
  
  

• Don’t provide an AAC system with only a handful of choices
  Limited options restrict meaningful expression.
  
  

• Don’t do all the talking
  Make space for the AAC user’s voice.
  
  

• Don’t ask questions the AAC user knows you already know the answer to
  Avoid test-like interactions that don’t foster real conversation.
  
  

• Don’t think you need to always model grammatically complete sentences
  Focus on functional, accessible language.
  
  

• Don’t say “And now say it on your talker”
  Avoid pressuring users to repeat or perform.
  
  

• Don’t create custom pages for specific activities
  Over-customization can limit flexibility and generalization.
  
  

• Don’t limit access to the AAC system
  Communication should never be restricted.
  
  

• Don’t focus on adding lots of vocabulary
  Prioritize meaningful, functional words over quantity.
  
  

🔗 Learn more: www.assistiveware.com/aac-do-dont

TSDB staff click here to access visuals. 

Click the links below to access the TDSB sites for:

TDSB Assistive Technology

Accessibility in iOS

AAC Claims Site for Schools

http://praacticalaac.org/?s=aided+language+input

http://praacticalaac.org/?s=Core+fringe

https://www.mytobiidynavox.com/

https://www.assistiveware.com

http://funinecse.blogspot.ca/2017/10/core-vocabulary-read-aloud-favorites.html

http://www.speechlanguagepirates.com/books-for-targeting-core-vocabulary/

Click here for a starter kit for using visuals in the Kindergarten Classroom.

Getting Students Ready to Communicate, Learn, and Play

• Rules and Routines Video (9 mins)
  Overview of classroom rules, routines, and strategies for building independence
  Watch the video
  
  

• Supporting Transitions Tip Sheet
  Practical strategies to support student transitions in classroom routines
  View the tip sheet
  
  

Ready-Made Visuals

• Classroom Visual Schedule
  Represents daily events, shows sequence, signals transitions
  Download classroom schedule
  How to use classroom schedule
  
  

• Individual Visual Schedule
  Supports personal routines; may require First/Then boards or backward chaining
  Download individual schedule
  Watch demo video (2 mins)
  
  

• Hip Cards
  Visuals of classroom rules; wearable on lanyards or belt buckles
  Download hip cards
  Download staggered label version
  Watch visual cue demo (<1 min)
  
  

• First Then Board
  Shows activity order and motivates task completion
  Download board
  Watch demo video (<1 min)
  How to use tip sheet
  
  

• Choice Boards
  Helps students make decisions about activities and reinforcers
  Download activity choice board
  Download song choice board
  Watch demo video (<1 min)
  How to use tip sheet
  
  

• Universal "No" Symbol
  Indicates unavailable items or activities
  Download universal "No"
  Watch demo video (<1 min)
  
  

• Independent Activity Schedules
  Supports routines like toileting, handwashing, dressing
  Bathroom and handwashing sequences
  Winter dressing schedule
  Watch demo video (2 mins)
  
  

• Other Visuals
  Includes token boards, home-school communication bridges, social scripts
  Explore other visuals
  
  

Problem Solving Around Visuals

• Visuals Problem Solving Tip Sheet
  Strategies for adapting visuals when they aren’t working
  View the tip sheet

Professional Development

• Using Visuals Effectively in the Classroom
  Six-part webinar series on low-tech visual supports
  Register for Course 6069 on myPATH
  
  

• Learn, Make, and Take with Boardmaker 7
  90-minute webinar on creating visuals and activities using BM7
  Register for Course 6460 on myPATH
  
  

• Supporting Communication in DD/DK Classrooms
  Four-part webinar series focused on organizing classrooms and enhancing communication
  Access Module 1

Click here to access the Starter Kit for Using Visuals in the Kindergarten Classroom.

Click here for a list of visuals to support mental health and well being at home and in the classroom.