Accessibility
When should a student have access to their device?
At ALL times! 24/7
What does it mean to model on an AAC device?
This is when YOU press buttons on the device while you are talking.
What does it mean to "prompt" a student?
Providing a "cue" to the student to help them locate and/or trigger a button. This can be hand-over-hand assistance, pointing to the iPad and waiting, indirect questions "now what?", direct questions "what do you want?, or modeling.
How to use AAC during transitions.
"time" + "go""
"van" + "work"
"wash hands" + "lunch"
"time" + "sit"
Greeting peers
Walk around school and greet at least 5 people (peers and staff)
Who is responsible for charging the AAC device?
The Village! The student and family should be charging it each night, but if we notice the charge is below 50%, help them put it on the charger first thing in the morning.
Why is modeling a critical part of the process?
Modeling allows the student to see how to locate items in their device, how to use the button to express themselves, and that it's ok to make mistakes.
How long should I wait after a prompt?
At least 15 seconds to allow for processing time.
How to use AAC during social time.
"good morning"
"hello" + "teacher" or "friend""
"feel" + "good"
"play" + "game?"
Talking about a movie shown in class
Talk about what you saw - the characters, places you saw, emotions you felt
Do we HAVE to take the device to work each day?
Yes! They need to learn to keep their device with them at all times (even at work). It is their voice.
What should I do if the student won't let me touch their device?
First, make sure you always ask to touch the student's device before attempting to model. If they are resistant, ask the SLP to print a copy of the student's home screen or use a printed core board.
What if it is taking a long time for them to respond?
Wait another 15 seconds and then provide another prompt and wait. Do not walk away. If you walk away, you send the message that communication is not important.
How to use AAC during cooking.
"looks" + "yummy"
"good"
"more"
"need"
Meal time
Talk about what the student (and you) are eating. How does it taste, how was it made, what are the ingredients.
Is it ever ok to leave the device in the van?
If you said yes to this, we will leave your voice in the van. Remember, it might be an inconvenience to you, but for our students, it is their voice!
How often should I be modeling?
All day long - we should model anytime we interact with the student.
What type of prompting should I try first?
Always start with the least support (eye contact with device, pointing to the device) and build to the most support (hand-over-hand).
How to use AAC at lunch.
"more"
"need" + "napkin"
"all done"
"help"
Playing games
Make statements such as "good job", "nice", "help", "more", "thank you"
Where should the device be when the students are working?
The device should ALWAYS be within reach when the students are working. They should not be left on a church pew, in a van, or in a different room.
Do I model every word I want to say?
No - we only model parts of what we say. We aren't looking to model grammatically correct sentences. If you want to say "It's time to get ready for work", say the phrase while also pushing "work" or "time" and "work".
What does "processing time" mean?
Everyone needs a certain amount of time for their brain to "process" what was said or what is being asked of them.
How to use AAC at work.
"I need help"
"I need a break"
"all done"
"something else"
Go outside
"cold" or "warm"
"sun" or "rain" or "cloudy"
"like" or "don't like"
"bird", "squirrel", bugs"
"flower" "tree" "car" "bus"