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This resources provides specialized evaluation of students, support for identification of appropriate AAC tools, lending library free of charge for tools/devices, as well as training and mentoring of students, families, and educators for use.

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AT4Kids is the AT Center at LTVEC, which provides resources and guidance for all aspects of Assistive Technology (AT) and Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) assessment, implementation, and training in the educational setting.

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This is a blog/resource that provides community interaction with parents and teachers, tutorials/newest technologies, and materials for AAC work.

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Let's start the week with some downloadable resources for those of you teaching core vocabulary. Today, we'll head to the online marketplace for educators, Teachers Pay Teachers, to check out some of the free AAC resources.

Filed under: Featured Posts, PrAACtical Thinking

Tagged With: core vocabulary, downloads, resources

This post was written by Carole Zangari

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AAC Resources for Core Vocabulary Teaching

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Let's start the week with some downloadable resources for those of you teaching core vocabulary. Today, we'll head to the online marketplace for educators, Teachers Pay Teachers, to check out some of the free AAC resources.

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This resource gives teaching supports and training on implementing AAC in the classroom. It also gives access to downloadable AAC pages, tools, and teaching resources for free!

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Harold is an observant and active high school senior. Jade is blind and has severe intellectual disabilities. Jeffrey is an elementary student who has complex physical needs. Nathan is an enthusiastic and energetic preschool student. Do you know a Harold, Jade, Jeffrey, or Nathan?

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Project Core - A Stepping-Up Technology Implementation Grant Directed by the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies

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Harold is an observant and active high school senior. Jade is blind and has severe intellectual disabilities. Jeffrey is an elementary student who has complex physical needs. Nathan is an enthusiastic and energetic preschool student. Do you know a Harold, Jade, Jeffrey, or Nathan?

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This website is for assistiveware devices/technology, but also offers a lot of good basic information on what ACC's are, how they work, and online training in utilizing their devices!

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Multimodal communicators

Many people who cannot speak but use AAC are multimodal communicators. This means they have multiple ways to communicate their messages. As well as AAC, they might use vocalizations, word approximations, and maybe some gesture and sign language. Many people show photos from their camera roll to add to what they are saying. All different methods of communication should be valued and respected. Different communication still tells us something!

Even people with some spoken communication, may benefit from AAC. If speech is limited, AAC can help. It can give a person more words and language. They may communicate far more with AAC than they can with speech alone.

Benefits of AAC

Many people who cannot rely on speech, could benefit from AAC. And there are challenges when people do not have AAC.

People who use AAC describe benefits

These include:

stronger friendships and deeper relationships

richer, more frequent social interactions

deeper social roles: family member, friend, professional, student

increased autonomy and decision-making power over their own life

increased independence

more respect from others

greater participation in their family lives and communities

improved information sharing with physicians

improved personal safety in a variety of care settings, such as hospitals or long-term facilities

more employment and volunteer opportunities

improved physical and mental health

Challenges for people without AAC

There are often difficulties without AAC, when someone cannot talk reliably.

People who use AAC say that, prior to having a communication system, they experienced:

more social isolation and loneliness

increased frustration and acting out with loved ones

greater vulnerability, especially when alone in a care setting

feeling shut out of important decisions over their own life

inability to show what they know or can learn

The AAC journey

Communication is a fundamental human right. A person with speech impediments or disorders can communicate with AAC.

Before starting, you may still wonder whether AAC is really needed. Will AAC be beneficial? When should we consider AAC? If you need help answering these questions, please check the "Do we need AAC?" article.

If you are using symbols and wish to make plans that support change and progress, please use our Learn AAC Guide. This may help you to consider selecting the right AAC system for a person, getting set up for AAC and then helping to build language and real communication.

Good luck, please reach out to our support team if you need any help along the way!

Links & references

ASHA. Augmentative and Alternative Communication. [Article and references]

Ahern, Kate. (2014). Why "prove it with low tech first" doesn't work. [Blog post]

Beukelman, D., & Mirenda, P. (2013). Augmentative and Alternative Communication (4th Ed.). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.

Brady, N. C., Bruce, S., Goldman, A., Erickson, K., Mineo, B., Ogletree, B. T., Paul, D., Romski, M., Sevcik, R., Siegel, E., Schoonover, J., Snell, M., Sylvester, L., & Wilkinson, K. (2016). Communication services and supports for individuals with severe disabilities: Guidance for assessment and intervention. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 121(2), 121-138.

Farrall, Jane. (2015). AAC: Don't Demand Prerequisite Skills. [Blog post]

Kangas, Kathleen & Lloyd, Lyle. (2009). Early Cognitive Skills As Prerequisites to Augmentative and Alternative Communication Use: What Are We Waiting For?. Augmentative and Alternative Communication. 4. 211-221.

Light, J., & McNaughton, D. (2014). Communicative competence for individuals who require augmentative and alternative communication: A new definition for a new era of communication? Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 30, 1-18.

LoStracco, Heidi. (2014).The Myth of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Pre-Requisite Skills. [Blog post]

National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons With Severe Disabilities. NJC on AAC. [Article]

Romski, M.A. & Sevcik, R.A. (2005). Augmentative communication and early intervention: myths and realities. Infants and Young Children 18 (3), 174.

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AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It describes methods, devices, or communication strategies for people who cannot use verbal speech.

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Project Core

Assistiveware

Saltillo

Speak for Yourself

LAMP words for Life and Unity

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Could be text-based!

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Could be symbol based!

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1. Unaided AAC – or AAC that does not require a physical aid or tool.

Facial expressions

Body language

Gestures

Sign language

2. Aided AAC – or AAC that uses tools or materials.

Symbol boards

Choice cards

Communication books

PODD books

Keyboards and alphabet charts

Speech-generating devices or communication devices

AAC apps on mobile devices

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Multimodal communicators

Many people who cannot speak but use AAC are multimodal communicators. This means they have multiple ways to communicate their messages. As well as AAC, they might use vocalizations, word approximations, and maybe some gesture and sign language. Many people show photos from their camera roll to add to what they are saying. All different methods of communication should be valued and respected. Different communication still tells us something!

Even people with some spoken communication, may benefit from AAC. If speech is limited, AAC can help. It can give a person more words and language. They may communicate far more with AAC than they can with speech alone.

Benefits of AAC

Many people who cannot rely on speech, could benefit from AAC. And there are challenges when people do not have AAC.

People who use AAC describe benefits

These include:

stronger friendships and deeper relationships

richer, more frequent social interactions

deeper social roles: family member, friend, professional, student

increased autonomy and decision-making power over their own life

increased independence

more respect from others

greater participation in their family lives and communities

improved information sharing with physicians

improved personal safety in a variety of care settings, such as hospitals or long-term facilities

more employment and volunteer opportunities

improved physical and mental health

Challenges for people without AAC

There are often difficulties without AAC, when someone cannot talk reliably.

People who use AAC say that, prior to having a communication system, they experienced:

more social isolation and loneliness

increased frustration and acting out with loved ones

greater vulnerability, especially when alone in a care setting

feeling shut out of important decisions over their own life

inability to show what they know or can learn

The AAC journey

Communication is a fundamental human right. A person with speech impediments or disorders can communicate with AAC.

Before starting, you may still wonder whether AAC is really needed. Will AAC be beneficial? When should we consider AAC? If you need help answering these questions, please check the "Do we need AAC?" article.

If you are using symbols and wish to make plans that support change and progress, please use our Learn AAC Guide. This may help you to consider selecting the right AAC system for a person, getting set up for AAC and then helping to build language and real communication.

Good luck, please reach out to our support team if you need any help along the way!

Links & references

ASHA. Augmentative and Alternative Communication. [Article and references]

Ahern, Kate. (2014). Why "prove it with low tech first" doesn't work. [Blog post]

Beukelman, D., & Mirenda, P. (2013). Augmentative and Alternative Communication (4th Ed.). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.

Brady, N. C., Bruce, S., Goldman, A., Erickson, K., Mineo, B., Ogletree, B. T., Paul, D., Romski, M., Sevcik, R., Siegel, E., Schoonover, J., Snell, M., Sylvester, L., & Wilkinson, K. (2016). Communication services and supports for individuals with severe disabilities: Guidance for assessment and intervention. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 121(2), 121-138.

Farrall, Jane. (2015). AAC: Don't Demand Prerequisite Skills. [Blog post]

Kangas, Kathleen & Lloyd, Lyle. (2009). Early Cognitive Skills As Prerequisites to Augmentative and Alternative Communication Use: What Are We Waiting For?. Augmentative and Alternative Communication. 4. 211-221.

Light, J., & McNaughton, D. (2014). Communicative competence for individuals who require augmentative and alternative communication: A new definition for a new era of communication? Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 30, 1-18.

LoStracco, Heidi. (2014).The Myth of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Pre-Requisite Skills. [Blog post]

National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons With Severe Disabilities. NJC on AAC. [Article]

Romski, M.A. & Sevcik, R.A. (2005). Augmentative communication and early intervention: myths and realities. Infants and Young Children 18 (3), 174.

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AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It describes methods, devices, or communication strategies for people who cannot use verbal speech.

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Augmentative Communication-  is when you add something to your speech (sign language, pictures, a letter board)

Alternative Communication- when you are not able to speak or speech is not understood by others. You would need a different way to communicate.

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Multimodal communicators

Many people who cannot speak but use AAC are multimodal communicators. This means they have multiple ways to communicate their messages. As well as AAC, they might use vocalizations, word approximations, and maybe some gesture and sign language. Many people show photos from their camera roll to add to what they are saying. All different methods of communication should be valued and respected. Different communication still tells us something!

Even people with some spoken communication, may benefit from AAC. If speech is limited, AAC can help. It can give a person more words and language. They may communicate far more with AAC than they can with speech alone.

Benefits of AAC

Many people who cannot rely on speech, could benefit from AAC. And there are challenges when people do not have AAC.

People who use AAC describe benefits

These include:

stronger friendships and deeper relationships

richer, more frequent social interactions

deeper social roles: family member, friend, professional, student

increased autonomy and decision-making power over their own life

increased independence

more respect from others

greater participation in their family lives and communities

improved information sharing with physicians

improved personal safety in a variety of care settings, such as hospitals or long-term facilities

more employment and volunteer opportunities

improved physical and mental health

Challenges for people without AAC

There are often difficulties without AAC, when someone cannot talk reliably.

People who use AAC say that, prior to having a communication system, they experienced:

more social isolation and loneliness

increased frustration and acting out with loved ones

greater vulnerability, especially when alone in a care setting

feeling shut out of important decisions over their own life

inability to show what they know or can learn

The AAC journey

Communication is a fundamental human right. A person with speech impediments or disorders can communicate with AAC.

Before starting, you may still wonder whether AAC is really needed. Will AAC be beneficial? When should we consider AAC? If you need help answering these questions, please check the "Do we need AAC?" article.

If you are using symbols and wish to make plans that support change and progress, please use our Learn AAC Guide. This may help you to consider selecting the right AAC system for a person, getting set up for AAC and then helping to build language and real communication.

Good luck, please reach out to our support team if you need any help along the way!

Links & references

ASHA. Augmentative and Alternative Communication. [Article and references]

Ahern, Kate. (2014). Why "prove it with low tech first" doesn't work. [Blog post]

Beukelman, D., & Mirenda, P. (2013). Augmentative and Alternative Communication (4th Ed.). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.

Brady, N. C., Bruce, S., Goldman, A., Erickson, K., Mineo, B., Ogletree, B. T., Paul, D., Romski, M., Sevcik, R., Siegel, E., Schoonover, J., Snell, M., Sylvester, L., & Wilkinson, K. (2016). Communication services and supports for individuals with severe disabilities: Guidance for assessment and intervention. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 121(2), 121-138.

Farrall, Jane. (2015). AAC: Don't Demand Prerequisite Skills. [Blog post]

Kangas, Kathleen & Lloyd, Lyle. (2009). Early Cognitive Skills As Prerequisites to Augmentative and Alternative Communication Use: What Are We Waiting For?. Augmentative and Alternative Communication. 4. 211-221.

Light, J., & McNaughton, D. (2014). Communicative competence for individuals who require augmentative and alternative communication: A new definition for a new era of communication? Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 30, 1-18.

LoStracco, Heidi. (2014).The Myth of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Pre-Requisite Skills. [Blog post]

National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons With Severe Disabilities. NJC on AAC. [Article]

Romski, M.A. & Sevcik, R.A. (2005). Augmentative communication and early intervention: myths and realities. Infants and Young Children 18 (3), 174.

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AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It describes methods, devices, or communication strategies for people who cannot use verbal speech.

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This is me modelling the word "That" on the device!

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Make sure to point and speak when modeling your students AAC device and use animated expressions to keep their interest and motivate them!

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A short Clip to help you understand basics about modeling AAC systems, Enjoy!

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Worcestershire Speech and Language Therapy

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Augmentative and alternative communication or AAC, is a term used to describe various methods of communication that can help people who are unable to use verbal speech or traditional communication methods to communicate.

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o   Use aided stimulation or physical modeling while you speak to the child

o   Provide an AAC system with a robust vocabulary, which includes nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, question words etc. DO NOT LIMIT THE CHILD’S VOCABULARY

o   Don’t stop modelling language if our AAC users don’t begin using their device after a few months.

o   Speak in grammatically correct sentences to our AAC users while modeling language

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CHICKADEE AAC LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT MODEL revised MAY 4 2019