Working with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices can be overwhelming at first! But learning to navigate AAC as a teacher is crucial so that you can model their use to students. The more you know, the easier it will be for you to help your students become comfortable with their devices! Read on for some ways that teachers can learn to use AAC devices before working with students.
What is an AAC Device?
AAC is any type of tool that helps individuals with speech and language difficulties to communicate. An AAC can be low-tech, such as a communication board or picture exchange system. Or, it can be high-tech with a dedicated app for communication on a tablet. There are many different AAC apps available. A few well-known examples are Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, and LAMP. My district most often uses the Speak For Yourself program.
Training for Teachers
The first thing that I do when I meet a student who uses AAC is to visit the website for the program! Most of the websites for different AAC apps are a treasure trove of resources. For example, on the Speak for Yourself website, you can find video tutorials, programming guides, and core words lessons. There are also printable core word boards on some sites. Additionally, most apps have Facebook groups you can join for support and to collaborate with other users, including speech therapists, other teachers, and parents of users. YouTube is also full of tutorials and walkthroughs for different programs.
Collaborate With Your Team
Your school’s speech-language pathologist (SLP) will be your go-to for assistance with the device. Ask for consultation time for the two of you to go over how to use the program. You can also collaborate on how to support communication in both the therapy room and the classroom.
Reach out to the families of your AAC users for advice! If the device is being used at home, parents will likely have tips and tricks to share with you! They will also be able to help you troubleshoot any technical difficulties you may have. And, you can collaborate with families on goals for their child’s communication.
Additionally, it is important to train the paraprofessionals who work in your classroom on the device. Paras will be invaluable in modeling and reinforcing communication via AAC!
Practicing with AACs
The best way to learn to use AAC devices is to get on one and practice! (This will also be true for your students!) If possible, borrowing a device with the students’ program on it is the best way to get hands-on practice. The ease of AAC use comes from muscle memory, which is developed through consistent practice.
Some of the things you will want to familiarize yourself with are:
- Finding words with the search function
- Understanding the location of commonly used words
- Adding new words
- Editing/customizing the layout of the device
A great way to practice is by getting a hard copy of the AAC interface that you can reference. The company may provide or sell printable communication boards, or you can take a screenshot of the device and print it out. This allows you to study the location of words without having to use a device. You can also place the printouts arounds the classroom to encourage students to communicate if they do not have their device. Practice makes progress, for both you and your students!
The more that students can express themselves, the more independent they will become. Familiarizing yourself with the ways that your students communicate helps you to help them! Do you use AACs with your students? Share the ways that you help yourself learn to use these devices!
