When we asked teachers and SLPs what they needed most to support their students using AAC, the overwhelming answer was simple: “Materials!”
Adding visual supports such as step-by-step picture symbols, activity schedules, or task analyses makes learning clearer, reduces stress, and helps children feel successful.
If you’re looking for a quick but powerful reminder of why early access to AAC matters, I really recommend watching this short webcast featuring Dana Nieder.
When you speak, you probably don’t think about how long it takes to get your words out. You start talking, and your message arrives almost instantly. But for someone who uses AAC, time is always part of the equation. It takes longer to construct a message using a device, and that means we have to be intentional about how we set up their systems.The goal? Maximize efficiency without sacrificing meaning.
Every year, I hear the same hesitation:“Our students just aren’t ready for high-tech AAC.”It sounds practical—but that belief is a myth that has held too many students back for too long.
This week we’re highlighting an important open-access article written by a team that includes researchers, a parent, and an AAC user.
