The Use of AAC Systems In The Home & Community

Last post I talked about how augmentative communication can be integrated into the IEP. Augmentative communication allows students to feel a sense of independence by providing them with a voice. However, although this is essential in school, it is also important to support the use of augmentative communication at home and in the community as well.

Augmentative Communication Is The Voice For Many Students

By using the augmentative communication in different environments such as home and community, it reinforces the communication skills that the student learned at school and helps generalize them to other settings. Therefore, teachers must be actively involved in ensuring that there is appropriate carryover and use within the home, among the family members, and across community sites. 

AAC Systems In The Home

• Training in the use of augmentative communication systems should be provided to families. This may include strategies for expanded use of the system and providing new vocabulary for the unique communication demands of home and community. 
• Include siblings, grandparents, extended family, etc. in the evaluation and implementation process to ensure a higher rate of success with the device. 

AAC Systems In The Community

• Communicating with unfamiliar partners is extremely challenging for most users. In order to support them, devices can be programmed to ask specific questions and guests can be directed toward the AAC user to answer a question. 

Amy G. Dell, Deborah A. Newton, Jerry G. Petroff. Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities. (Chapter 12) 2012. Second Edition.