Let’s dive into a quick overview of a book featuring AAC:
Book Title: More Than Words: So Many Ways to Say What We Mean
Author: Roz MacLean
Published in 2023
Age Range: 4+
Book Type: 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?
Share your comments or questions.