by Penny Tonn, MS, CCC-SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist); NWACS Contributor

This is Part 2 of a three part series. If you have not read Part 1 yet, go read it HERE.

AAC is most effective with a team approach. Teams include the AAC user, their caregivers, and other support people. When developing AAC goals, teams should be aware of the communication needs of the person. They should also think about team member knowledge of AAC and the AAC system used.

Goals for Dynamic Systems

A dynamic AAC system is when touching a button on the screen opens another page or folder. Learning to navigate a dynamic AAC system is crucial. AAC users may need an understanding of categories to navigate, or find words, in some systems. In other systems, word classes may be the primary navigation feature. So AAC users may need to understand verb tenses, prepositions or location concepts, or grammar features. The features of the AAC system will guide how you teach navigation. For all systems, an important tool in teaching navigation is modeling. Modeling is showing an AAC user the pathway to vocabulary many times during activities. We model so they have the exposure or experience with seeing someone use the pathway.

AAC users may need to use literacy or reading skills to locate unfamiliar vocabulary. We can help provide autonomy and empowerment to AAC users by teaching them to:

• search for words

• program personally relevant words into their AAC system

Consider when and how to teach reading, writing, or device programming to expand on proficient AAC use.

Stay tuned for Part 3 (Goals for AAC Supporters)!

What other goals do you think are important for dynamic systems? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments or the NWACS Facebook page!

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