3 Tips for Using an AAC Communication Board in Special Education
AAC stands for Alternative and Augmentative Communication. Basically, it means using different ways of communicating besides verbal speech. Alternative communication methods are typically used when someone is unable to speak or is very difficult to understand.
This is where AAC communication boards come in really handy! Have you ever used one? They are great because a communication board is a low tech AAC communication device. I’ve used them in my classroom for years now and I want to share all my favorite tips for putting an AAC communication board or book together!
What are AAC Communication Boards?
First off, AAC communication boards are simply boards with symbols or pictures on them that someone can point to in order to communicate their wants and needs. Think of them as a page with pre-made board maker symbols, LAMPWords or even just pictures of real objects that a child would recognize-the water fountain, a book, a pencil…etc. This can also be referred to as an AAC communication book.
High Tech AAC vs. Low Tech AAC
Like I said above, an AAC communication board would be a low tech AAC tool. Think of low tech AAC as simple to use and simple to make. One big hiccup when using low tech AAC tools is that the person does have to rely on their communication partner a lot. In addition, it is an affordable option and can be used in demanding environments like full sunlight, bath time and beach time if needed (as opposed to high tech devices).
Think of high tech AAC as any type of technology that is more advanced. The advantage of using a high tech AAC device is that the student has access to thousands of words, plus the words are in consistent locations, which makes it easier for the individual to use it independently.
Examples of Low Tech AAC:
- communication board
- communication book
- PECS (Picture Exchange System)
- Sign Language
Examples of High Tech AAC:
How Do You Teach Someone To Use AAC?
3 Tips for Using an AAC Communication Board
There is no clear handbook on where to begin with AAC. I took my knowledge of using communication boards for AAC in my special education classroom organized it all for you!
Here are 3 important tips I learned while implementing an AAC Communication Board in my classroom:
1. Categorize the Pages
Each separate page should be also be categorized somewhat for the subject or area that the child needs to use it in. This makes it so much easier to use what you need at the right time of day.
For example, if you are do a morning calendar time in your classroom, have a communication page dedicated to helping the student participate fully during calendar time.
This page might have the days of the week, months of the year, numbers 1-31 and different symbols for the weather on it.
Here’s another example for categorizing a communication page for a subject:
Let’s say you are learning about bats in the classroom. You may decide to read the book “Stellaluna“ to your class.
If you have any students with communication needs, you can give them a Stellaluna Book Companion Communication Board so that they are easily able to follow along with the lesson. This is a communication board made with specific vocabulary from the book “Stellaluna” so that a child who needs help communicating verbally can participate in the lesson equally.
Want more AAC Book Companions? Click right here!
2. Use the Communication Board or Book Consistently
When you start to implement a communication book with students, another tip is to use it as consistently as possible. If you get it out some days and not others, it will not help the student learn how to use it effectively.
I would begin by picking one part of the day to use it in and then build up from there.
3. Start By Teaching Words The Child is Interested In First
The final tip I have for you is gaining student buy-in. Until a student sees the full-on benefits of why using this communication book is so important, they might not be interested in using it.
My big suggestion to help with this would be to start by using words that motivate them.
What do I mean by this exactly?
If you have a student that loves to eat crackers, two words that you might want to focus on are “eat” and “more.”
When you focus on words that motivate them, they will be more willing to gain interest.
AAC Communication Book Bundle
This AAC communication book might be just what you need to facilitate speech development for students who are non-speaking or have limited verbal skills.
This communication book has over 800 Boardmaker icons. Tabs are also included for easy access and organization. It’s actually perfect for home and classroom use!
You Might Also Like: AAC Core Word of the Week
What other tips do you have for using an AAC communication board in special education?
