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AAC Awareness Month buzzwords illustration

AAC Awareness Month 2020: Exploring AAC buzzwords

To help us all get our heads around the common jargon we share, we have compiled a lists of over 20 AAC buzzwords. This compilation includes definitions of commonly used terms such as presume competence, modeling and attributing meaning. Each buzzword is clearly explained with some key tips and reminders. Share our buzzwords within your teams.
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The power of language

Everyone communicates. Communicating with others gives us connection and control in our lives. There are many ways to communicate - with facial expressions, gestures, and words and sentences. A key factor in successful communication is having language. Language gives us the words and ways to share our own thoughts and ideas, desires, and wishes.
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The Do’s and Don’ts of AAC

Do’s and Don’ts of AAC - Core words

AssistiveWare’s David Niemeijer and Jane Farrall teamed up on a Do’s and Don’ts of AAC Poster for International AAC Awareness Month. This blog explores one of the Do/Don’t pairs.
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The Do’s and Don’ts of AAC

Do’s and Don’ts of AAC - Use the AAC system

We can all understand the concept that AAC users may not learn how to effectively use their AAC system for communication if they do not see it used regularly and reliably by others in their world. The best way that we can support our AAC user is the use the AAC system to talk yourself!
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The Do’s and Don’ts of AAC

Do’s and Don’ts of AAC - Access to AAC

AAC users should be able to say what they want, when they want, so they must have access to their AAC system all the time! The rest of the team also needs fast and instant access to the AAC system. How else will they model?
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The Do’s and Don’ts of AAC

Do’s and Don’ts of AAC - Multimodal communication

We all use many different ways to communicate. Often AAC users will use the fastest and most efficient means of communication available to them in the moment. Respect every mode of communication, as they all play a part in becoming effective communicators!
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The Do’s and Don’ts of AAC

Do’s and Don’ts of AAC - Questions

Are your questions open or closed? In any environment where questions occur naturally, like in classrooms, it is essential that open-ended questions are used for AAC users. It allows language to be modeled and gives AAC users the opportunity to learn to say what they think and feel.
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The Do’s and Don’ts of AAC

Do’s and Don’ts of AAC - Modeling

We all know that the best practice for teaching AAC is Modelling or Aided Language Stimulation. We can all understand that AAC users will learn how to effectively use their AAC system when they see it used regularly and reliably by others in their world. So how do we model?
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The Do’s and Don’ts of AAC

Do's and Don'ts of AAC - Wait time

Providing enough time to people who use AAC is very important, as using AAC to communicate takes time. We as communication partners need to provide enough of it for the person using AAC to claim their turn in the conversation, to process what was said and what they want to say and then compose their message.
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