I Always Have My Voice refers to the individual having her AAC system with him at all times! This includes school time, outdoor play time, mealtimes and the list goes on.
This strategy requires us to ensure that the AAC device gets charged when the individual is not using it or attaching a power bank to it. It also means that even if the individual is repeatedly pressing buttons on her AAC device instead of listening in class, you should teach her to use a ‘quiet voice’ (just like how you would with other neuro-typically developing individuals) and not take the AAC device away from her.
Just as you shouldn’t (and can’t) take away an individual’s voice, you shouldn’t take away an individual’s AAC device. This ensures that they always have a voice in any situation and allows them to seize any communication opportunity that comes up.
If the individual is using sign language, you don’t need to worry about it because her hands are always there. However, if the individual is using picture symbols or a device of some kind, you will want to make sure the device is with her and functioning at all times.
1. Refer to the individual’s routine in the handout - Strategy 6 (Our Daily Routine)
2. Plan how the individual can carry her voice or retrieve her voice independently in all situations
3. Think of possible hurdles to the individual carrying her voice wherever she goes
4. Come up with a plan on how to tackle the hurdles when they happen