As a special education teacher, you understand the importance of communication for your students. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices play a crucial role in facilitating communication for individuals with speech and language impairments. Choosing the right AAC device can significantly impact your students’ ability to express themselves effectively. In this blog post, we will explore the five most popular AAC devices that are transforming communication in special education classrooms today.
1. Proloquo2Go
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/proloquo2go-aac/id308368164Proloquo2Go is a powerful AAC app designed for individuals who have difficulty speaking. It runs on iOS devices such as iPads and iPhones, providing a customizable grid of symbols and phrases that users can tap to create spoken messages. Special education teachers appreciate Proloquo2Go for its intuitive interface and robust customization options, making it suitable for a wide range of communication abilities.
Con: Initial cost can be prohibitive for some schools or families, as it requires purchasing iOS devices like iPads or iPhones in addition to the app itself.
2. TouchChat
TouchChat is another widely used AAC app available on iOS and Android platforms. It offers a variety of communication pages, including grids, keyboards, and phrase-based pages. TouchChat supports different access methods such as touch, switch scanning, and head pointing, making it versatile for students with varying motor skills. Special education teachers find TouchChat beneficial for its comprehensive vocabulary options and easy-to-use functionality.
Con: While versatile, TouchChat’s extensive customization options may require significant time and effort to set up initially, especially for users who are less familiar with technology.
3. Tobii Dynavox
Tobii Dynavox offers a range of AAC devices tailored to different communication needs. Their devices include eye-tracking technology for individuals with limited mobility, allowing users to communicate by simply looking at symbols or letters on a screen. Tobii Dynavox devices are praised by special education teachers for their accuracy, durability, and the ability to support independent communication.
Con: Devices with eye-tracking technology can be expensive, making them inaccessible for some schools or families with limited budgets.
4. LAMP Words for Life
LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) Words for Life is an AAC app specifically designed to support language development in individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. It uses consistent motor patterns to help users learn and use language effectively. Special education teachers appreciate LAMP Words for Life for its evidence-based approach and its focus on fostering natural language development.
Con: LAMP Words for Life may have a steeper learning curve compared to other AAC apps due to its specific motor planning approach, requiring more training for both teachers and students.
5. GoTalk
GoTalk devices are portable communication tools that come in various sizes and configurations. These devices use large, easy-to-press buttons that can be programmed with recorded messages or symbols. GoTalk devices are particularly useful for students who benefit from visual supports and auditory feedback. Special education teachers value GoTalk for its simplicity, durability, and versatility in different educational settings.
Con: The physical size and weight of GoTalk devices can make them less portable compared to tablet-based AAC solutions like Proloquo2Go or TouchChat.
Choosing the Right AAC Device
When selecting an AAC device for your students, consider their specific communication needs, motor skills, and learning preferences. It’s essential to involve speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and families in the decision-making process to ensure that the chosen device aligns with the student’s goals and abilities.
While these AAC devices offer numerous benefits, it’s important for special education teachers to carefully consider the specific needs and resources of their students and educational settings when choosing the most suitable device. Assessing these devices through thorough evaluation and planning can help maximize the effectiveness of AAC tools in enhancing communication for students with speech and language impairments. Empowering your students with effective communication tools not only improves their ability to express themselves but also enhances their overall educational experience.
Learn about training your staff on AAC Devices in this blog post.
Learn how to utilize AAC all day long here.
Learn about high tech vs. Low tech choices for AAC here.
