AAC Awareness Month
What is AAC anyway?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It means any tools or strategies that add to or can be used as an alternative for speech as a means of communication. This means manual signs, facial expressions, speech generating devices, written communication, and more! AAC can include a variety of no, low or high-tech tools such as
No tech: signing, gestures, facial expressions
Low-tech: ALD, visuals, communication boards, PODD books
High-tech: speech generating devices such as tablets and iPads that include programs like Pro-Lo, LAMP etc
Who uses AAC?
Actually, we all use AAC! Anytime you are texting, using gestures and facial expressions, posting memes, or using manual sign language to communicate, you are using something other than speech to get your point across. That's using a form of AAC! There are very sophisticated AAC systems, like speech generating devices, books, and apps, that people who have difficulty using verbal speech can use as an alternative and support for speech. Robust AAC systems are especially useful for those who cannot rely on verbal speech for communication.
There are many people who benefit substantially from using AAC to augment or replace speech as their main communication modality. This includes people who are born with differences and disabilities that make verbal speech difficult, and those who might acquire speech difficulty later in life. But really, anyone you know, young or old, speaking or non-speaking, who is not able to communicate everything they want to or participate in the conversations and education they need to grow with speech and what they currently have, can benefit from learning more about AAC supports.
At Hamlyn Views School, we are passionate about empowering students’ communication and voice by increasing AAC accessibility, understanding, and knowledge for all staff and students. Please find 3 bite-sized AAC mini goals to try at home and Happy AAC Awareness Month to all!
1. GIVE YOUR CHILD A COMPLIMENT USING THEIR AAC TODAY!
- You are....
- I like it when you....
- I had fun when we....
- You are good at...
- I feel happy when you...
- I LOVE YOU!
2. WEATHER REPORT
Look out the window in the morning and comment on the weather using your child's AAC system.
- It is SUNNY outside
- Brrrr, it looks COLD today
- Look, I see RAIN!
- The weather looks HOT, what should we wear?
3. TALK ABOUT AN UPCOMING HOLIDAY OR SPECIAL EVENT
Use your child's AAC device to talk about activities and who will be involved. Tell them what you are excited about. Look for reactions from them!
- PICNIC
- SCHOOL BUS
- WATCH
- SING
- ASSEMBLY
- NERVOUS
- LOUD
Kind regards,
Lia Van Arkadie
