Setting Up Your Classroom for Communication: A Toolkit for Supporting All Learners – Especially AAC Users Are you ready to create a classroom environment where every student can communicate, participate, and thrive? This resource is designed for special education teachers, SLPs, and support staff who want to ensure their classrooms are communication-friendly for all students—especially those who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This toolkit walks you through the essential steps of evaluating and enhancing your classroom to support communication across the school day. With practical tools, clear examples, and planning guides aligned to CEC teacher standards, you’ll be able to confidently assess and improve communication supports in your setting. What’s Included: A classroom communication checklist to guide your evaluation
Descriptions and examples of 8 key categories of communication supports
SMART goal planning tools to help you turn observations into action
A long-term “Let’s Do It!” planning form
A professional action plan template for ongoing growth
Step-by-step directions to complete the checklist
Glossary of terms and alignment with instructional relevance and CEC standards
Whether you're new to AAC or a seasoned professional, this resource will help you: Recognize and remove communication barriers
Set up classrooms that actively support expressive and receptive communication
Partner with students, staff, and families to promote meaningful communication across settings
Empower your students with the tools and environment they need to connect, contribute, and succeed. Perfect for back-to-school planning, IEP prep, or mid-year check-ins!
