Today, I am at our service center learning more about AAC. It is crazy to me that when I was in grad school (2009-2011), we didn't have a course dedicated to AAC. In just 5 years, augmentative communication has come SO far. With ipad apps that provide more affordable access to dynamic, high tech communication systems, AAC use has become much more common. I am lucky enough to work in a school district that supports my learning and sends me to trainings for AAC.
My big take-aways from the AAC trainings were the importance of using Aided Language Stimulation and Core Vocabulary. ALS is a teaching practice in which the communication partner models 1-2 words greater than the AAC user is producing themselves. If they say "go" on their communication device, you say "you go class". I loved this video that gives an easy explanation of Aided Language (great to send to parents):
The importance of Core Vocabulary (50-400 words that make up 80% of what we say) was hit on over and over again in our training. I get overwhelmed with where to start with core words. Which ones do I choose first? I really liked this chart that broke the core words up into the "first 40" and paired them in 4s to teach together. Go here to see:
Hope these 2 resources are helpful! I thought they were great!
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