Visual Aids:

Supports that give a student with visual difficulties access to information. This includes large-print books, books on tape, magnifiers, talking computer software, and Braillers.

COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES

All children have the right to express what they want and how they feel. But this is not always easy to do. Some children may not be able to speak clearly enough for everyone to understand them, while others may not be able to speak at all. For these children, telling people how they feel or what they want may be among the most difficult things they have to do. Through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) parents and caregivers can help children with communication difficulties find ways to express what they are thinking, wanting, or needing.

WHAT IS AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION? Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC) is any strategy that helps a child participate and communicate better at home and at school. Some strategies may be as simple as having a child point to a picture and use a gesture or begin with some basic sign language. For example, a child might point to a picture of juice and then point to herself, telling you she wants a drink of juice. As communication develops, the number, type, and complexity of the picture symbols can be expanded. These picture symbols can be put together on a “communication board” which can begin to allow a child to tell us what they want and need, and how they feel.

Other strategies are considered more “high-tech” and are somewhat more complicated than simple picture symbol communication boards. A child can press a button or picture on a communication device that actually says a pre-programmed word or message. This is called a voice output communication aid (VOCA) and is another way AAC can help a child communicate better at home, school, and in the community. For example, a child can press pictures of herself, drink, and juice, which creates a message spoken by the computer (“I want juice”) and is easily understood by everyone.

This type of computer is used much in the same way as the picture symbol communication board, however the pictures or words are programmed into the computerized communication device. There are many different types of voice output communication aids available, and all provide different options that can meet a child’s physical, cognitive, and communication needs.

Below are examples of communication strategies that children can use. The strategies are listed from easier to more difficult:

Communication Strategy	Real-Life Examples
Speaking words or sounds that approximate words	Saying “I love you” or “wuv”
Using Objects	Holding up a cup to ask for a drink
Facial expressions	Shaking your head to say no
Gestures	Pointing
Sign Language
Using photographs or symbols
Using communication boards
Using voice output communication aids

A child will communicate using a variety of strategies throughout her day. This is called multi-modal communication. Typically a child will want to use the fastest way to communicate her needs. For example, at home a child may use more gestures, but at school use her communication device, because the school staff does not understand the her gestures as well as her parents. Multi-modal communication is always encouraged.

AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to communication methods that help or replace speaking or writing for individuals who struggle to production or comprehend spoken or written language. Who Benefits from Augmentative and Alternative Communication? Any child having difficulty communicating or being understood may benefit in some way from AAC strategies. Children with cerebral palsy, autism, developmental disabilities, or rare genetic syndromes can be supported in their communication and learning through AAC.

It is your right as a parent to ask your child’s teachers for an evaluation or if and how your child can benefit from AAC. Through your local school district, a team of professionals will work closely with you to help determine if your child is a good candidate for AAC services, and they will provide guidance about using AAC at home, school, and the community.

When to Begin Augmentative and Alternative Communication It is important to begin AAC as early as possible. Even if your child is already receiving speech and language therapy, he can still benefit from AAC services. Remember the goal of AAC is to help your child begin communicating with you. It is important to know that even though a child may begin to use pictures to tell you what he wants or a computer that can produce speech, it does not stop him from learning to speak. In fact, research has found that when a child begins learning to tell someone what he needs or want, it is easier to work on his speech sounds and to expand his ability to communicate.