May is Better Hearing and Speech Month and this year’s theme is Building a Strong Foundation. This theme has so much relevance to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)! How do we build strong foundations in AAC? By setting families up for success and avoiding practices associated with AAC rejection and abandonment.
Three general factors identified in the literature are associated with continued use and success with AAC:
Adequate Training & Support
AAC communicators must receive support from their families, other families who use AAC, and professionals. Teams must receive support from family members and AAC consultants and have adequate time allotted for training. However, how they are taught is as important as what they are taught. Evidence suggests that trainings must include multiple elements, including coaching to change behavior at home and in the classroom.
System Characteristics and Fit
A good match between AAC communicator skills and needs and features in SGD is required for success. Feature-matching assessments are key.
Attitude
Realistic expectations from the AAC communicator and family are important. It’s important to educate parent and AAC communicators prior to introducing AAC, collect and provide data regarding effectiveness of AAC, and provide examples of the AAC communicator successfully communicating with the system.
To learn more about preventing AAC rejection and abandonment, join us for Stay on Track: Preventing AAC Rejection & Abandonment, a lunch and learn webinar on September 8th, 2023 from 1-2:30 Central hosted by Easter Seals.