1) hold down the power button and the home button at the same time until you see the screen turn black and the apple logo apear on the screen. Once you see this, let go of the home button and the power button. This is called a hard reset but it will not harm or earse anything from the device. Once the device has powered itself back on it should be fine.

2) If step one did not work, please fill out an AAC service ticket. Someone will be out shortly to fix the issue.

If you would like something added but do not feel comfortable or have the time to do so, please contact the AT team for assistance. Otherwise, follow the links below:

GoTalk

TouchChat

ProLoQuo2GO

Lamp

There are multiple reasons why an AAC user might tap buttons repeatedly or stim on them. Please check out these articles:

• Understanding why AAC users repeatedly tap buttons and practical strategies for support

• AAC and stimming – understanding the role of stimming in communication

In instances where a student appears disinterested in their device consider:

• How often am I and other staff members modeling on the device for the student?

• Am I making the AAC all work and no play? 

• Am I only teaching my student(s) how to request and label?

What can you do? Consider the following articles or request for training if needed.

• Aided Language Stimulation

• Always make AAC available

• Modeling: Use AAC to teach AAC

• Communication partner skills for AAC learners

• Core word teaching strategies

• Engage and interact with AAC learners

• How to be a respectful communication partner

• How to be an AAC supporter

• Plan for AAC throughout the day

Yes, you can pair high-tech and lite-tech AAC together. Students using an AAC may also benefit from paper-based core boards, transition icons, picture icons, and other forms of AAC in the classroom. 

Check out these articles and resources:

• Planning for communication when AAC is not available

• AssistiveWare's Core word boards

• High-tech AAC or light-tech AAC? AAC for all situations

AAC is known to improve student speech. "People who use AAC may make gains and improvements in their speech. AAC provides a way to communicate more clearly. Using AAC can reduce frustration and help language development" (Hartmann, 2024). 

If your student has made such significant growth that you feel they no longer need their device, you may consider graduating the student from their device. If so, please press HERE to fill out the form.

Check out these articles:

• When speech is unreliable: Part-time AAC use

• Will AAC stop a person from learning to speak?

Many students get excited about answering questions during class discussions, even students with AAC devices. So, how do we address this blurting? 

Consider, if a speaking student was blurting, how would you handle the situation? Most likely you would tell the student that it isn't their turn to talk, to raise their hand, or some other indicator to show that it is someone else's turn to speak. This is the same way we would handle blurting for a student using an AAC device. However, please never remove the device. This is the student's voice and should be kept with them. Rather, teach the student about times to talk and times to be quiet as you would with any other student. 

If the student's device is more than 5 seconds away, it is too far away. This includes if the device is on a shelf where they can not reach it or if it is put away in their backpack. The student may also use lite-tech AAC in situations where the device may damaged (i.e., at recess, during meals, etc.)