AAC & Transition Planning
This is a curated collection of information and resources related to transition planning. We encourage you to explore and judge for yourself which to add to your toolbox.
These resources are for educational purposes. This is not an exhaustive list. Inclusion does not signify endorsement. Use of any information provided on this website is at your own risk, for which NWACS shall not be held liable.
Do you have a favorite resource that we missed? Send us an email to share!
When should transition planning happen?
Transition planning is so important for children who use AAC. There are two times during a child’s education when there are rules for transition planning. Formal transition planning is required:
when moving from Early Intervention (birth to three) services to Early Childhood Special Education (special education preschool), and
when transitioning from high school to adulthood, which may include:
employment
post-secondary education
community living
other post-school programs
However, there will be many more times of transition in your child’s first 18-21 years of life:
Moving from preschool to elementary school.
And then to middle school.
And then to high school.
Changes from grade to grade.
Any time there is a change in the team (e.g., teachers, aides, SLP, etc.).
All of these transitions require planning, preparation, and information that needs to be shared. Developing strong transition plans at each step along the way will help set up your child for the life they want when they grow up. This planning and preparation helps prevent teams from starting “from scratch” at each transition. It will help your child keep a consistent system of communication and support a positive trajectory. Including your child in this process, as much as they are able, builds self-advocacy and self-determination skills. Along with skilled AAC use, these are important to your child’s success.
Parents/Guardians: remember that you are an important member of your child’s team! In fact, you are the most consistent and long-term team member your child will have. So your input and involvement with transition planning are essential. Transition planning and transition services must be written into your child’s IEP. AAC/AT devices and services needed for transition must also be written into the IEP. AAC/AT devices and services will not be provided if they are not written into the transition plan.
According to QIAT (Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services), there are six quality indicators to guide transitions involving AAC and AT. These are guidelines to consider when planning for an upcoming transition. (Note: we have adapted these indicators to be actionable.)
Identify the AAC/AT needs of the student, including:
roles of team members on the old team and assign these roles to members of the new team
any training needs of the new team
detail what AAC/AT systems and/or strategies that are working for the child
include an overview of systems/strategies that have been tried and were not optimal
include a plan of next steps for supporting growth of the child’s system and skills
who will communicate with the new team through (and after) the transition to ensure completion of tasks and efficient transfer of the AAC/AT
Include the student in the transition planning at a level appropriate to age and ability.
Identify who will be advocating for any equipment and/or training needs.
Identify everything that will be needed in the receiving environment, including:
all equipment
support strategies and tools
environmental requirements
knowledge and skills (training)
Create a timeline individualized to the child to map out action steps, target dates, and ongoing needs.
Ensure that all equipment/system items arrive to the receiving location in working condition, along with any manuals and/or instructions.
include a plan for ongoing maintenance (including funding) and technical support (including training)
PRO TIP: Create a document to attach to the child’s IEP that includes the above information.
Resources
Articles, Books, and Documents
Charting Paths: Supporting the Journey Beyond High School (2023) by Twyla Perryman from the ASHA LeaderLive
Fundamentals of AAC: A Case-Based Approach to Enhancing Communication (2023), Nerissa Hall, Jenifer Juengling-Sudkamp, Michelle L. Gutmann, and Ellen R. Cohn (eds)
Chapter 14: Services for Young Adults Using AAC Transitioning to Adulthood by Diane Nelson Bryen
IDEA Transition Overview: K-12 to Postsecondary Education and Employment - Successes and Barriers
Planning for Post-secondary Transition to Adult Health Care (2024) by Adena Dacy from the ASHA LeaderLive
Transition Resources: Transition Resources, Communicator Preferences, Adult Competencies
Transition Strategies for Adolescents and Young Adults Who Use AAC (2010), David McNaughton and David Beukelman (eds)
Transitioning Students Using AAC: Strategies to Promote Full Inclusion (slides from 2018 USSAAC presentation by Tracy Rackensperger, PhD and AAC User)
Transition To Adulthood Communication Matrix Collection by Cynthia Green (2018)
Materials
Communication Profile template (from NWACS)
Websites
Center for Change in Transition Services (CCTS) at Seattle University
FACT Oregon Transition to Adulthood
Informing Families
OSEP: Expect, Engage, and Empower: Successful Transitions for All!
Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services
Guiding Document Assistive Technology in Transition (located on the Resources page)
Quality Indicators: AT in Transition
Quality Indicator Matrices: Matrices AT in Transition
Resources (Useful Links): Assistive Technology Transition
Transition Planning Worksheet for AT Users (located on the Resources page)
Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Special Education: Guidance for Families: Transition Services (Ages 16 - 21)
Washington State DVR High School Transition
Wrightslaw Transition, Transition Services, Transition Planning
Zarrow Institute On Transition & Self-Determination (The University of Oklahoma)
Podcasts
LOMAH Disability Podcast - podcast from a mom planning for the future of her nonspeaking teen
Webinar Recordings
AAC in the Cloud presentation recordings
AAC & Transition - Planning for an Everyday Life by Kathryn Helland (2021)
AAC and Transition Planning - Supporting all students to make decisions for the future by Erin Sheldon (2020)
CCN/Complex Bodies: Building Meaningful Activities for Older Students Who Are Switch Users/AAC Communicators With Transition in Mind by Sharon Redmon (2019)
Addressing Mental Health in Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities during Transition to Adulthood from MHDD National Training Center
Other Resources
Framing a Future Tool from The Bridge School
Just For Youth: Self-Determination and Planning for the Future from FACT Oregon
ME! Lessons for Teaching Self-Awareness & Self Advocacy from The University of Oklahoma’s Zarrow Center for Learning Enrichment
Project10’s Self-Advocacy & Self-Determination webpage includes a variety of resources including: assessments, curricula and courses
TalkingMats: “A Talking Mat is a visual communication framework which supports people with communication difficulties to express their feelings and views.”
Wrightslaw’s Self-Advocacy webpage includes a variety of resources
Selected References:
Bagenstos, Samuel R. "The Disability Cliff." Democracy 35 (2015): 55-67. Available at: https://repository.law.umich.edu/articles/1722
Bryen D. N. (2008). Vocabulary to support socially-valued adult roles. Augmentative and alternative communication (Baltimore, Md. : 1985), 24(4), 294–301. https://doi.org/10.1080/07434610802467354
Bryen, D., Potts, B., & Carey, A. (2007). So you want to work? What employers say about job skills, recruitment and hiring employees who rely on AAC. Augmentative and alternative communication (Baltimore, Md. : 1985). 23. 126-39. 10.1080/07434610600991175
Carey, Allison & Potts, Blyden & Bryen, Diane & Shankar, Jui. (2004). Networking towards Employment: Experiences of People Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities (RPSD). 29.
Carter, E., Austin, D., & Trainor, A. (2012). Predictors of Postschool Employment Outcomes for Young Adults With Severe Disabilities. Journal of Disability Policy Studies. 23. 50-63. 10.1177/1044207311414680
Carter, E., Ditchman, N., Sun, Y., Trainor, A., Swedeen, B., & Owens, L. (2010). Summer Employment and Community Experiences of Transition-Age Youth with Severe Disabilities. Exceptional Children. 76. 194–212. 10.1177/001440291007600204
Chadsey, J. (2007). Vocational Skills and Performance. Handbook of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (pp. 619-634). 10.1007/0-387-32931-5_31
McNaughton, D., Arnold, A., Sennott, S., & Serpentine, E. (2010). Developing skills, "Making a match", and obtaining needed supports: Successful employment for individuals who use AAC. Transition Strategies for Adolescents and Young Adults Who Use AAC. Brookes.
McNaughton, D., & Bryen, D. (2007). AAC technologies to enhance participation and access to meaningful societal roles for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities who require AAC. Augmentative and alternative communication (Baltimore, Md. : 1985). 23. 217-29. 10.1080/07434610701573856
Rossetti, Z., Lehr, D., Pelerin, D., Huang, S., & Lederer, L. (2016). Parent Involvement in Meaningful Post-School Experiences for Young Adults With IDD and Pervasive Support Needs. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. 54. 260-272. 10.1352/1934-9556-54.4.260
Trembath, D., Balandin, S., Stancliffe, R., & Togher, L. (2010). “Communication is Everything:” The Experiences of Volunteers who use AAC. Augmentative and alternative communication (Baltimore, Md. : 1985). 26. 75-86. 10.3109/07434618.2010.481561
Wehman, P. (2013). Life Beyond the Classroom: Transition Strategies for Young People With Disabilities (5th Edition). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing. 584 pages, ISBN-13: 978-1598572322