Speaking AAC

Often confused, they are not the same. Still confused? Pop your questions below ⬇️

In my quest to use real photos for my clients page set, I stumbled upon pictures of him as a young boy, smiling and looking at the camera. If I could travel back in time, I’d introduce AAC to my adult client when he was just a smiling little boy in his wheelchair. Young kids have the physical energy and posture to build communication skills. Don’t wait until adulthood. Start early, while they have the strength.

AAC implementation generally takes a linguistic approach. For those of us that work with the neuro community, motor planning is always on our mind. It’s this insight that really allows us to see AAC implementation via a motor lens: multiple opportunities to practice a consistent motor pathway repeatedly. Repetition for automaticity. What approach do you find yourself using, motor planning or linguistics? Share below ⬇️

AAC works when people buy in. You know how to gain buy in? By teaching, by showing, by working together. And that’s hard to do without talking at people. Need a place to start? Get your AAC Survival Toolkit. Get the knowledge I share here with expert advice, delivered to you in a clear and understandable way. AAC can be overwhelming which is why I broke it down for you. I did the heavy lifting so you can watch the magic begin. Link to AAC Survival Toolkit in bio.

Lately, I’ve been ruminating on what it means to work with disabled individuals who spend a significant amount of time in therapy. While other children are outside running and playing, they’re inside doing therapy. While I know my sessions are based on fun, I don’t think they’re fun enough. I want so much for my clients, they deserve the world. I realize I need to work harder to give them the life experiences they deserve but can’t yet access. Because that’s living. And if that’s what it takes to be a child, then that’s what we need to do. What are some fun activities you do with your children or clients to ensure they have quality of life?

Eye gaze devices are more than communication for AAC users with complex bodies. It’s environmental control and access to the world around them. Did you know you can program your AAC users the gaze device to act as a remote control for IR toys? Featured here is the Accent 1400 from PRC-Saltillo paired with an IR puppy from Contixo want to see a video how to do this? Drop a 🐶 below.

One of the biggest challenges I face as an AAC specialist is being the sole implementer. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love what I do! 🤍 The problem is, it’s just not sustainable. AAC success is bigger than me alone, and it requires a team effort. However, not all families realize that right away. Two solutions that definitely help bridge this gap are parent coaching and providing accessible AAC resources. But let’s be honest: it’s not an easy, overnight fix. I never judge my families for struggling to keep up. As a busy mom of three 👧🏽👦🏽👦🏼 (who definitely keep me on my toes!), I know firsthand how exhausting and overwhelming daily life can be. Routine modeling takes time and energy that parents don’t always have left at the end of the day. We are in this together! 🙌🏽 If you’re a parent of an AAC user, what strategies have worked best for your family? I would love for you to share your experiences below! ⬇️