For individuals who are not successfully using verbal speech as their primary form of communication, it is essential for educators and supporters to consider augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) options. Helping learners use AAC effectively requires a collaborative effort and a commitment to overcoming barriers. This session explores how to build inclusive environments that empower individuals of all abilities to communicate meaningfully using AAC.
Participants will learn proven strategies for supporting communication by engineering environments at school, home, and in the community to create rich, meaningful opportunities for language practice in everyday routines. The session will discuss factors related to AAC consideration, the collaborative process of selecting AAC systems using the SETT Framework, and effective implementation practices to ensure that each individual has access to a system tailored to their needs.
This session will focus on using partner augmented input/aided language stimulation, as these practices have become more widely implemented and have shown promising results. In addition, participants will explore several key factors that can further boost language acquisition. These factors include least-to-most prompting, morphological instruction (focusing on morphemes rather than just words), explicit instruction of phrasal verbs (two or more core words put together resulting in an altered meaning), consistent symbol/word location, learning experiences centered around authentic problems, incorporating generative AI, robots, and block coding, as well as using the Specific Language System First approach to tool selection, and developing a culture with embedded peer support. We will also take an in-depth look at the role of coaching in facilitating the learning of communication partners—including educators, parents, and peers—to promote consistent AAC use throughout the day in every lesson, activity, and environment.
