By Cassandra Stafford, SLP, ATP (speech-language pathologist and assistive technology professional); NWACS Board Member
reading time: 1 minute
The views expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of NWACS. No endorsement by NWACS is implied regarding any device, manufacturer, resource, or strategy mentioned.
Let’s dive into a quick overview of a book featuring AAC:
More Than Words book cover
Book Title: More Than Words: So Many Ways to Say What We Mean
Author: Roz MacLean
Published in 2023
Age Range: picture book
How AAC is Featured: In More Than Words: So Many Ways to Say What We Mean, we follow Nathan as he quietly observes his classmates. The story highlights all the different ways he notices his classmates communicating. Many unique ways are shown. Including using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) - from no-tech AAC to high-tech communication devices.
Note: I am not an AAC user, nor am I a parent/guardian or caregiver of an AAC user. I am a speech-language pathologist. So I am coming at the book from this perspective. I read this book through my local library using the Libby app.
Nathan’s class is beautifully diverse and inclusive. A variety of ways of being are represented throughout. We see variations of skin tone, ethnicity, disability, assistive technology tools, and more. The story gently introduces and celebrates many different ways we can expressively communicate. MacLean challenges the reader to see communication in unexpected moments - such as through play, art, repeating, and movement. MacLean also encourages the reader to listen, even when the person is quiet, and make an effort to forge connection and inclusion.
Have you read this book? What did you think of it?
