AAC: Implementation and Resources

Powerful quote:

• “The attitudes and expectations of people in the environment may to some extent influence all children’s language development, but they may be critical for children who use alternative forms because these children depend on the means and opportunities provided by professionals.”

von Tetzchner & Grove

Is One System Best?

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksO35s3Bffc

Shadow Light Cueing• Shadow light cueing is a way to use a visual cue, that of a small flashlight beam (a laser pointer,

available at most office supply stores, works even better), to help a student access picture symbols on a manual communication board or device display. These cues are listed in order, from least direct to most direct.

• Search Light CueMove the flashlight back and forth across the entire overlay to help thestudent focus his/her attention on the display.

• Momentary Light CueTurn the flashlight on and off while keeping the light focused on thetarget you want the student to access.

• Constant Light CueMaintain the beam of the flashlight on the target.

Marcia Sterner Assistive Technology Specialist, 2000

Descriptive Feedback• Use descriptive feedback instead of form-related

reinforcement (“good talking”,“nice sitting”) and non-specific praise (“good job”). If you wouldn’t say it to a peer its probably not appropriate to say it to a student.

• Examples of descriptive feedback are: “♦ Great, you asked for more juice, and here it is.” “♦ You said you feel angry, why are you angry?” “♦ You asked for scissors, what do you need them for?”

Marcia Sterner Assistive Technology Specialist, 2000

Using Core Language in Activities

Selecting Target Vocab

• Core language list- Gail van Tatenhove

Core Vocab During Daily Activities

• Music- I, again, like, don’t like• Art activities- here or there to indicate

desired location of an item, this/that to make a choice

• Reading- turn (page), (read) again, comment- good, bad, silly

March

What do you see?

Activity

Bubbles!

Spring Fun!

• Wind up toys- chick, rabbit, frog

• Target:– Go– Stop– Different- to communicate a choice– All done

It’s Almost Spring!!

Penguins

Pluto (the planet, not the dog)