Classroom Toolbox Training

The Classroom Toolbox is a virtual toolbox of resources to help teachers provide adapted communication supports to students in their classrooms. In here you'll find the Classroom Communication Supports Checklist to help you determine what supports you already have in place, ones you have but aren't using, and ones you are interested in exploring. For every communication support, there's a learning module to explore, with photos, descriptions, components, links to comprehensive resources and curated YouTube videos. These modules will help you confidently increase the communication supports for your students!

Learn more

Building the Communication Classroom Series

  • Getting Oriented (3 lessons)​
  • Present Level of Performance: How do my students communicate? (3 lessons)​
  • Can You Hear Me Now?   Classroom Routines, Expectations & Visual Supports (7 lessons)​
  • Simple Communication Systems: Light Tech (5 lessons)​
  • Embedding Communication Into Your Classroom (5 lessons)​
  • IEP Time! Progress, Present Levels and Goals (2 lessons)​
  • AAC 101: Simple Steps for Student Communication​
  • The Core Word Classroom​

There is a wealth of information and materials for you on our website, so you may be asking yourself, "Where in the world do I start?" No worries, we've got you! This is the first stop in your training! In this unit we will be answering some primary questions to get you started!

See More

Starting Young: Communication in Early Intervention & the Preschool Classroom

Our specialized training hub dedicated to supporting communication success in Early Intervention in the home and our preschool classrooms

See More

Communication Systems Series

  • Getting Started with a New Communication System (3 lessons)​
  • Understanding Robust AAC Systems (3 lessons)​
  • AAC Feature Considerations (5 lessons)​
  • Speech Generating Devices & Applications (3 lessons) ​

See More

Partner Strategy Kits

  • Interaction Strategies (3 lessons)​
  • AAC Access (3 lessons)​
  • Engagement (3 lessons)​
  • Language Support Strategies (5 lessons)​

Partner Strategy Kits

AAC Partner Strategy Kits are engaging posters/handouts, descriptions and short videos explaining and modeling techniques for you to use to help your student be willing, and able to communicate using their AAC system!

See More

AAC Assessment Series

  • Communication Matrix:  Forms & Functions​
  • Student Communication Goals Grid​
  • Every Move Counts, Clicks & Chats: Motivators, Sensory Needs, Forms & Functions​
  • Communication Sample & Analysis​
  • Dynamic AAC Goals Grid (DAGG)​
  • AAC Evaluation Genie Training​
  • AAC Communication Skills Assessment-2​
  • Dynamic AAC Advanced Consultation FORM​
  • Team & Family Involvement

See More

DTA Schools Evaluation and Funding

  • DTA Schools Process Introduction​
  • DTA Schools Referral & Records Review​
  • DTA Schools Dynamic AAC Assessment & Trials Process​
  • AAC Funding Sources​
  • SGD Evaluation Report Writing​
  • Working with SGD Manufacturers
See More

Empowering Families: AAC At Home

See More

High Frequency Core Words & Messages

See More

AAC 101

5 steps to move from training to talking, give you a clear path for you and your student learner. Learning to communicate is a shared journey between the learner and their partners, and that makes sense! Communication is a shared activity between two people. It is the means for us to make connections, meet our needs, engage socially, participate in shared experiences, and bridge the gap between our experiences and sharing these their partners.

Learn more

Light Tech Communication Materials

You'll find many light tech communication options on our website you can share with your families. Please feel free to print and share our materials with your students' families!

Picture Communication Cards:

Picture cards are a fundamental AAC tool, consisting of images representing objects, actions, and emotions. Users can point to the pictures to express their needs, preferences, and feelings. These cards come in various sizes and can be organized on a communication board or a binder for easy access.

Communication Boards:

Communication boards are customizable displays that incorporate a collection of symbols, pictures, or words. These boards can be tailored to an individual's specific communication needs, making it easier for them to construct sentences and convey messages.

4. Visual Schedules:
Visual schedules are helpful for individuals who thrive on predictability and structure. They use pictures or symbols to represent the sequence of activities throughout the day, enabling the person to understand and anticipate daily routines.

5. Keyring Communication Books:
Keyring communication books are portable and convenient for on-the-go communication. They are small ring-bound collections of picture cards that users can carry with them, making it easier to communicate in different environments.

6. Choice Boards:
Choice boards present options using pictures or symbols, allowing individuals to make selections in various situations, such as choosing preferred activities, snacks, or leisure options.

7. Visual Timers:
Visual timers use images to show the passage of time, helping individuals understand and manage their schedules better. This is especially useful for those who have difficulty with transitions or waiting.

8. Communication Wallets:
Communication wallets are compact and discreet AAC solutions that can fit in a pocket or bag. They contain various picture cards or symbols, enabling individuals to communicate their needs wherever they go.

9. Visual Cue Cards:
Visual cue cards provide prompts and reminders for specific activities or behaviors. They help individuals remember tasks or follow routines.

10. Partner-Aided Communication:
Partner-aided communication involves a communication partner providing support and assistance to the individual through gestures, prompts, or responses. This type of communication reinforces the use of AAC materials and encourages interaction.


AAC Light Tech communication options are versatile and adaptable, offering individuals the ability to express themselves, interact with others, and participate in various activities more effectively. By choosing the most suitable AAC tools for an individual's needs, we can empower them to communicate with confidence and lead fulfilling lives.

Downloads:

No items found.

Next lesson:

Personal Home Customization ​

Lesson

1

AAC Informational Flyers

These flyers are a quick introduction to the world of AAC for our families!

Start Training

Lesson

2

Light Tech Communication Materials

There are many Light Tech AAC options we can offer a wide range of communication options for our students. These options are simple, low-tech, and do not require batteries or electronics, making them an easy "first step" to introduce to our families! Let's look at some of the options!

Start Training

Lesson

3

Personal Home Customization ​

It is highly important that we assist our families of AAC users in planning, and sometimes programming their AAC systems to include all of these highly relevant messages.  Let's talk about it!

Start Training

Lesson

4

Parent Training Options ​

There are many options for training families. Here are a few to consider!

Start Training

Lesson

5

Homework for AAC

In an effort to help our students generalize their new communication skills, we have homework packets for you to send home!

Start Training

Lesson

6

Home Schedule Analysis

We all know our students learn to communicate primarily at home. You can invite parents to complete the Home & Community Schedule Analysis so that school teams can help the family integrate AAC into their home life.

Start Training