Introduction to AAC

http://bit.ly/SETTinfo
What is AAC?
AAC- Augmentative and Alternative Communication

What does that mean?

● AAC includes all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express
thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. It can increase social interaction, school performance, and
feelings of self worth.
● AAC can augment, or add, communication for students who may be lacking in one or more
areas of communication
● AAC can be an alternative communication route a student can take.

http://bit.ly/SETTinfo
 Unaided and Aided Communication
… in the world of AAC

Unaided Communication Aided Communication

Unaided AAC methods do not use outside These include tools and equipment. They can
tools or aids for communication. When be anything from pencil and paper to
someone is using unaided AAC they are using electronics that produce voice output or
various parts of their body to communicate create messages.
and nothing else.
These include:
These include:
● Sign Language ● iPad w/ AAC app
● Gestures (pointing) ● Tobii Dynavox
● Facial Expressions ● Symbol-based words
● Body Movements
● PRC Accent
● Head Movements
● Eye Movement/Eye Gaze ● Communication Switches
● Vocalizations (Non-Speech Sounds) ● PECS (Picture Exchange Communication
System)
Remember…
Every person has a mode of
communication whether it be robust
or minimal.

When we add AAC, we are not negating

the modes they already have.

We are adding another form of

communication to supplement the lack
of communication skills they may
have.

We need to value ALL forms of

communication!
Accessing Aided
Communication
● Direct Selection
○ Pointing to an item/picture

● Eye Gaze
○ Using eyes to select/scan

● Single/Double Switch
○ Activating a switch for answering

● Partner-Assisted Scanning
○ Partner scans the board with their finger and
waits for student to select (facial
expression/movement)
 an
Why We Communicate... Descriptive
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nting! ne!
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! Asking to Specific
Student to
Student Quest Questions!
ion Student
wants! s!
Conversations!
Question-Answer Communication
● Typically, students who are nonverbal, are usually only communicating
when prompted.
○ For Example: “Timmy, What is the color we are working with?” “Do you like that color
Timmy?” “Tell me which color this is.”
● Students are used to question-answer communication.

Question-Answer communication is beneficial but does not allow the student

to converse with you further than answering the question.

The student is also only at the liberty of answering the question you, as the
adult, are asking them.
Let’s Get More Communication!

CORE FRINGE
Fringe Words
● More specific to a situation, mostly nouns
● Cannot be used across a variety of situations
● Can easily visualize these words-> Example: Pig- School- Pizza
● Most AAC systems are multilayered to include fringe under core
● Fringe words are usually organized with like groupings

Be ca
re
to live ful not
in onl
Noun y
Town!
Let’s Chat!

Candy Goldfish Bathroom

Break Milk Swing Set

Core Word Focus
● High frequency words that can be used in a variety of ways
● They make up 75-85% of words we use everyday
● You cannot form a sentence without core words
● You can make a sentence using only core words-> “I need help”
● They are often words that are more difficult to visualize
● Typically includes, pronouns, helping verbs, prepositions, articles, and common verbs.
● Most, if not all, AAC programs/apps are built with core words

Core vocabulary is about using a little to say a lot

DLM Core First 40
I like not want

help it more different

who she you he

where up on in

me make get look

what need are is

some put all this

don’t that go do

when finished can here

open turn stop over

What is a Core Board? ●
●
Printed Word
Symbol Support
● Color Coded
● Fragmented
Sentences

Modified Fitzgerald Key

● Blue: Adjectives
● Green: Verbs
● Yellow: Pronouns
● Orange: Nouns
● White: Conjunctions
● Pink: Prepositions, social words
● Purple: Questions
● Brown: Adverbs
● Red: Important function words,
negation/emergency words
● Grey: Determiners

When teaching and learning

core, don’t try to make full-
complete sentences. Speak
to get the point across!
“Those are odd symbols to use”….
For Example:
The picture supported symbol is there to help
the student locate the area of the word easier
and faster.

Do not get caught up on what the symbols

are!!

If a student is using a Core Board, we

would replace the symbol on the board with
one that they know/are familiar with.

The symbols can be WHATEVER the student

associates that word with.
Phrase Search!
Using the board, how
can you tell me…

You want to watch

something different.

You really like to play.

You want more drink.

You want to put your

hat on.

● Notice, there are no

fringe words.
Let’s put it
all together!

“Can you get

me my hat?”

“I don’t want
chips.”

“Can you
help me take
a drink of my
Yoohoo?”
School-based
vocabulary

“I want more
glue.”

“I need a
different
marker”

“I like this!”
Remember: Less is More!
Expand on Communication!
When a student tells you “happy”, you can expand on that and say verbally
“OH!, This makes you happy!! That must mean you like it!” -while pointing to
“Like” on the board.
Good

Happy Like

Again
Modeling
Modeling means that we use the AAC system or board to talk to the AAC user.

All AAC learners need to see what it looks like, to communicate using their AAC system
or board in real conversations.

We point to words or press words on the AAC system or board as we speak.

Meet My Dad...
● Modeling for him how to send a
text.
● Modeling for him how to turn
the volume up.
● Modeling for him how to “get on
the line”.
● Talking through each button I
am pressing and why.
● Associating the icons with what
he is trying to do on his
cellphone.
 SETT Process
STUDENT ENVIRONMENT TASK TOOLS

We’re looking at Where does the What does the THEN we look at
the whole student need to student need to the tools.
student. be able to do with the
Likes/dislikes, communicate? communication? High Tech
wants/needs, Classroom, Wants/Needs,
abilities, bathroom, answering, asking Mid Tech
characteristics, hallway, cafeteria, for help, holding a
medical, personal, gym, conversation... Low Tech
assistance... playground...
What was already
tried? Why did it
succeed or fail...
Scranton State School for Deaf/HOH Google Folder:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1B2Y6SEQhgcJonCaM8-ISvyznWzRwO_gE?usp=sharing
RESOURCES
AAC Institute Nonprofit organization dedicated to the most effective communication for people who rely on augmentative and
alternative communication.

American Speech Language Hearing Association Provides resources about AAC and how to get ACC support.

Autism Speaks Provides extensive information about AAC and its role for children and adults with Autism.

International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication Works to improve the lives of children and adults who use AAC.

PrACCtical AAC Supports a community of professionals and families who are determined to improve the communication and literacy
abilities of people with significant communication difficulties.

https://www.pattan.net/Assistive-Technology/AT-for-Communication/POWER-AAC - PaTTAN, Power AAC Modules for Professional

Development.

Facebook- “AAC” Pinterest- “AAC” “Lauren Enders”