AAC
AAC
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes various tools and strategies that help individuals with complex communication needs express themselves effectively. AAC can range from low-tech options like picture boards to high-tech devices with dynamic displays. According to Suhr et al. (2023), AAC use in classroom settings helps nonspeaking autistic children express themselves and participate more fully in learning activities, although success is closely linked to the level of support and inclusive practices in place. Judge et al. (2023) emphasizes the importance of adaptable AAC devices that can be personalized to meet specific needs, making communication aids essential for fostering autonomy and self-expression. AAC systems range from low-tech options, like -picture boards, to high-tech devices, such as speech-generating tablets. Effective AAC use is often the result of collaborative planning among educators, families, and specialists to ensure consistent support across contexts. When implemented effectively, AAC can positively impact social engagement, learning outcomes, and overall quality of life for users.
5 AAC Apps for Students:
CBoard
Cboard is an open-source app for children and adults with speech and language impairments, aiding communication with symbols and text-to-speech. Cboard comes with support for 46 languages. To select a different language go to SETTINGS – select LANGUAGE and those available will appear. Make a choice and a ‘tick’ will appear beside the language.
free
available on chrome or IOS or Google
Scene & Heard Scene & Heard Pro
IPAD or IOS only
A LITE version is available to try the app out.
Make scenes using your own photos and also access Widget symbols. Record your own voice messages for scenes. Switch Accessible (use with switch interfaces such as Applicator, Switchbox and Switch2Scan). Link hotspots on page to photos and videos.
Yearly Subscription - $49.99 with one free month: Monthly subscription - $4.99 with one free month: One time Lifetime purchase $149.99
TouchChat HD
a customizeable AAC app that provides communication solutions for people who have difficulty using their natural voice. It offers text-to-text options, symbols, and multiple language options
$149.99 plus tax
available on IOS and web
JABstone free
AAC app that turns android devices into communication aids. It focuses on making speech accessible for individuals with communication disorders and provides and easy-to-use, speech-enabled interface with symbol and word options.
JABstone is a software company that specializes in speech communication technology for special needs children and adults. JABstone was started by the parents of a child with Down syndrome and apraxia of speech. As parents, we were focused on finding the right AAC program for our son. After witnessing our son's frustration with various speech systems, we decided to build an application tailored to his specific needs. We created personalized images and voice files instead of using the unfamiliar icons and computerized voice features found in other speech systems. After our son used the application for a couple of weeks, the improvements in his communication and speech wildly exceeded our expectations. The results of our experiment ultimately led to the formation of JABstone and the Android app JABtalk.
Speech Bulbs
Speech Learning App for Kids / Speech Blubs
While primarily designed for speech therapy, Speech Blubs can be used as an AAC tool to help children with communication challenges. It engages kids with interactive videos and speech recognition, encouraging them to practice speech in a fun way.
free
IOS, android, or web
2 Apps for AAC in Math
Paint by Numbers Dinosaurs
Free
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/paint-by-numbers-dinosaurs/id1076086832?mt=12
This app is a very simple solution for kids that struggle with doing work. This is a coloring app that corresponds the correct answer to colors for the painting. This is good for kids that have sever ADHD or Autism that can't work on regular assignments for long periods of time.
RMB Games
Free
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rmb-games-preschool-learning/id1470600322
This game is good for all aspects even outside of just math. This app allows kids that struggle with doing work to have fun and learn without even really realizing they are learning.
2 Apps for reading with AAC
Reading Racer
Free
This app helps students gain confidence when reading aloud. It has adjustable settings for how old the students are to determine what kind of literature it will provide for the students. There is also a feature for how fast the reader is. This can be helpful to students with exceptional needs because they can struggle with words and word pronunciation. If readers say the word wrong or take too long to say the word the game will prompt them with how to say the word in the sentence. It also has a read along feature. It won't be very useful to students with visual impairments as there is no settings to change the colors of the words and underlinings.
free with in app purchases for more materials
This app will give 10 free lessons with the free trial. Schools or parents must pay to access all the content through a subscription to get unlimited lessons. The stories have multiple different features. It can autoplay and be read to the student and the student can record themselves reading the story. While the app itself does not provide any corrections the recording can be reviewed by the teacher.
2 Apps for AAC use with Writing
Re:write
Free
Available on the Chrome Webstore
Re:write is a writing assistant powered by GPT-3.5-turbo to help users rewrite text into robust, advanced variations, or perform quick grammar checks that provide detailed explanations.
WhiteSmoke
$5.00 monthly or $11.50 monthly for premium
Available on windows or PC
WhiteSmoke renders you with the highest quality proofreading abilities available, correcting not only simple spelling mistakes like old fashioned word processors, but everything from grammar, word choices, and even style mistakes.
Emergency Preparation for Teachers
Teachers must be proactive in preparing for emergencies by creating visual schedules and evacuation maps that are accessible to all students, ensuring they are familiar with emergency procedures. These visual aids, including symbols and clear steps, help students with different learning needs understand what to do during a crisis. It is essential to identify individual needs, such as ensuring students who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids have a clear, accessible evacuation route, as noted by Samules (2022). Teachers should develop a comprehensive emergency plan that includes all students, taking into account communication needs and providing access to AAC devices for non-verbal students. Having AAC devices ready and charged ensures that every student can communicate effectively in an emergency, reducing anxiety and promoting safety. Regularly reviewing and practicing the emergency plan ensures that are students and staff are prepared and confident in their ability to respond during a crisis (Navigate 2024).
Navigate360. (2024). 5 ways to enhance emergency preparedness in schools. Navigate360. Retrieved November 13, 2024, from https://navigate360.com/blog/top-5-ways-to-enhance-emergency-preparedness-in-schools/
Samuels, C. A. (2022, July 26). Protecting students with disabilities in an emergency: 5 key strategies. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/protecting-students-with-disabilities-in-an-emergency-5-key-strategies/2022/07
Emergency Preparation for Families
Families should take proactive steps to prepare for emergencies by establishing clear communication plans, especially in case of power loss. It's important to have a backup method, such as a charged AAC device, to ensure everyone can communicate when phones or other devices are unavailable. Creating a family emergency kit is essential, and it should include non-perishable food, water, and necessary medical supplies to sustain the family for at least 72 hours (Family Survival, 2024). Families should also discuss potential emergencies and review their plans regularly to ensure everyone understands what to do and where to go in different situations. Open conversations about emergency preparedness, as recommended by the Red Cross, help reduce anxiety and increase confidence in handling crises. By being prepared with an emergency kit, a reliable communication method, and a well-understood plan, families can better ensure their safety and well-being during emergencies.
American Red Cross. (2024). How families can prepare for emergencies. American Red Cross. Retrieved November 13, 2024, from https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/teaching-kids-about-emergency-preparedness/how-families-can-prepare-for-emergencies.html
Family Survival. (2024). How to create a family emergency plan that works. Family Survival. Retrieved November 13, 2024, from https://familysurvival.com/how-to-create-a-family-emergency-plan-that-works/family/#:~:text=How%20to%20Create%20a%20Family%20Emergency%20Plan%20That,6%20Step%206%3A%20Reviewing%20and%20Revising%20Regularly%20
Resources for Parents regarding AAC accessibility and implementation
The Ultimate AAC Resource Page - Speech And Language Kids
Provides parents, students, teachers, and paraprofessionals with additional resources for using the AAC device.
AAC Training with FREE Handouts for Parents & Staff | Speechy Musings
Allows Parents to receive free information on the AAC with additional information on implementation.
Top strategies for using AAC at home - AssistiveWare
Provides information for the parents to use the AAC device at home, promoting the use of the AAC in everyday life.
These resources help parents effectively implement AAC devices by providing essential strategies for preparing their children for emergencies. They emphasize the importance of planning and practicing communication skills using the device in various situations. Families are encouraged to create emergency plans, ensuring AAC tools are integrated into these plans for quick access. Additionally, parents are guided on making the device more user-friendly for children with disabilities, ensuring its accessibility in all situations. These specific resources offer practical advice on communication techniques, allowing for more effective implementation. Combined, these resources empower families to use the AAC device in everyday life.
InTASC Rationale
The InTASC Standard 10 emphasizes the importance of teachers taking leadership roles and collaborating with various stakeholders, including students, families, colleagues, and the community, to ensure student success. It highlights the necessity of working closely with parents and past teachers to better understand how each students learns, especially those with disabilities. Since every student's needs are unique, gathering insights from those familiar with the student can improve communication and teaching methods significantly. Engaging all students, both inside and outside the classroom, is crucial to their overall academic growth. Teachers play a key role in preparing and supporting students for their future. This responsibility includes understanding each student's individual needs, teachers can help them meet their learning goals. Ultimately, this collaborative effort between educators and parents ensures students are ready for all of life's challenges.
ISTE-E Rationale
The ISTE-E 2.4 Standard focuses in the importance of educators collaborating with colleagues and students to improve teaching practices, share resources, and address challenges. This standard aligns well with empowering students to effectively use AAC devices in the classroom by fostering a collaborative environment. The standard also encourages personalized learning experiences that are tailored to each student's unique needs. By working with colleagues, I can explore strategies to support both AAC and non-AAC students in ways that benefit everyone. This collaboration not only aids students with disabilities but also promotes social skills among all students. These skills are valuable both in and outside the classroom. Ultimately, the goal is to create an inclusive environment where every student thrives using all forms of communication possible.
ISTE-S Rationale
The ISTE-S Standard 1.6 emphasizes the importance of students communicating clearly and creativelky across various digital platforms and tools. This is especially relevant for students using AAC devices to communicate, as it encourages the design of activities and tools that help them express themselves fully. By aligning classroom activities with AAC devices, students can better communicate and engage with the content. The use of technology in this way supports personalized learning, allowing students to access tools that meet their individual needs. Additionally, this standard promotes interactive learning environments where students can express their ideas in digital formats. As teachers, we can create lessons that not only enhance learning skills but also improve students digital literacy and communication. It provides students with the opportunity to use technology to develop both academic and communication skills. This approach ensures that all students are not only learning the content needed but also gaining the ability to express themselves in ways that suit their needs. This standard fosters an inclusive dynamic classroom experience where all voices are heard.