Our 2026 Theme is Joy and Connection in AAC. We know there are real challenges to face. We also believe there is hope. Together, we can face the challenges. Through joy and connection, we will help build a stronger, more loving community. There are many ways to support joy and build connection. Each month in 2026 we will feature one. In March, we highlighted play.
March Roundup
Play is where connection begins. In March, we celebrated how AAC becomes part of play. Communication doesn’t only happen during structured moments. Some of the most meaningful communication happens during play.
Scavenger Hunt
Throughout the year, we will go on the hunt for theme-related words in our AAC systems. Because words matter!
Can you find your favorite game or place to play on your AAC system? It might not be a traditional game. What activities or places make you feel playful? Are those words on your AAC system?
Related Content from the NWACS Website
Resources for Lite-Tech Communication Boards
Sometimes when we play, such as when going to the beach or pool, it can be a good idea to have a lite-tech communication tool. High-tech, electronic AAC systems aren’t ideal in all environments (especially during ones that involve water!).
Books Featuring AAC
Shared reading is a great way to support language AND play! It is a powerful way to support communication and connections, especially when AAC is part of the story.
New Guest Post: A Mindful Approach to Inclusive Play
Play should include everyone. And with a little planning, it can. Lana shares practical ideas for creating inclusive play experiences where AAC users and their friends can participate fully and have fun together. Small changes can make a big difference in making play accessible and joyful.
New Research Summary: Communication Access on the Playground: What does the research say?
Play is a right for all children, but communication access on playgrounds is often overlooked. This post summarizes research on the playground experiences of children who use AAC. It highlights an important finding: physical accessibility alone is not enough. Communication access is also essential for full participation in play. Children who use AAC may face challenges on the playground. Inclusive playgrounds need both physical access and communication access so every child can play in their own way.
Resources of Interest
PNW Adaptive Toy Library
PNW Adaptive Library provides a free lending service for accessible electronic toys, switches, and other devices. Families, professionals, educators, and others can borrow items.
The Butterfly Pig
Interactive, child-friendly medical toys. Among other items, they offer Mini AAC devices for dolls and plushies.
Play-Based Strategies (website from Amy Starble, SLP)
This page shares open-ended play activities designed to create natural opportunities for communication while children play. It also shows how communication partners can model core vocabulary during play (for example, while playing with Play-Doh or other toys).
Active with AAC from AAC Language Lab
Ideas for 41 different activities AND what you could say during the activity.
Chameleon Reader
This voice-output digital pen can playfully increase accessibility, especially for emerging readers in activities that involve literacy skills.
Blog Posts from Kim Rankin
Kim (of Hear My Words on social media) shares about playing games with her son who uses AAC.
Playful Moments
A playful game idea from Cass: Wave a wand and say “Magic, Magic, I turn you into a…” (fill in the blank using the AAC system). This game can be an effective and fun way to play with AAC.
Cass shared a picture of her child’s AAC device while playing with Encanto characters. During play, she used fringe vocabulary related to the characters, which naturally led to core word use as the story unfolded. Her device even became part of the imaginative world of the game: the “Mountain.”
Autistic Barbie – Representation matters! Play is how children explore the world, build relationships, and tell stories. When AAC devices show up in play, they become a natural part of that world.
Molly shared a video of her child exploring a playground AAC communication board, asking questions about what each symbol means. Moments like this help build understanding, inclusion, and communication for everyone!
Pixie shared pictures of Lavender Bear. Lavender Bear is their special plush companion. Lavender Bear has a mini symbol-based AAC device (from The Butterfly Pig), just like Pixie!
Related Videos on YouTube
All Access Life
Brad and Dan launched their nonprofit to build a community interested in inclusion, accessibility, staying up-to-date with new adaptive products, breaking stigmas and all around having a good time.
Let’s Play! Integrating AAC into Play
In this training from Tobii Dynavox, you’ll see ideas for using AAC tools and activities to support engagement, exploration, and communication. Their learning resources are designed to help families and professionals build communication skills through meaningful, interactive experiences.
Play is Necessary
Play is an important part of creating joy. It relieves stress and supports mental and emotional well-being. Play enhances learning. It fosters connection and strengthens relationships. Play is a fundamental human need!
Share your comments or questions.