So many things have changed in the field of AAC over the past 15 years.  Synthesized voices have gotten better.  Device capabilities have become more remarkable.   Access to funding has improved.  There seems to be an endless amount of resources available. 

One thing hasn’t changed – the challenges that we face when trying to implement AAC systems in the classroom.  If you ask anyone, they will probably agree that programming AAC devices is the easy part.  The challenge comes when we try to figure out how, when, where and why the AAC system should be used during typical classroom activities. 

I’ve been traveling around the country conducting small focus groups with school teams to discuss AAC implementation.  My goal was to learn common strategies that were practiced by those teams that have been successful with AAC implementation.  Listed below are three of the consistent messages that I’ve heard.

1. Plan ahead.  Take a few minutes prior to initiating an activity with a student to identify the ultimate goal.  Then make sure that you know where the appropriate vocabulary is located on the system so that you can model appropriate use.  In my experience, lack of planning is the primary reason why devices aren’t used in the classroom. If you are looking for a planning worksheet to use with your school team, go check out the Communication Partner Preparation-Selecting Activities Worksheet  on the Implementation Toolkit.  Use this worksheet to:
   •  Decide in which activities to start using the AAC system.
   • Select appropriate vocabulary to support the activity.
   • Identify strategies to support successful AAC use during the activity. 
2. Set high expectations for students AND staff.  Expect that your students can and will learn, if provided with the right tools, opportunities, and support.  Invest time in training classroom staff appropriate communication partner techniques and expect them to use these skills to better support students.  Visit DynaVox’s Implementation Toolkit for great communication partner resources.
   
3. Be persistent.  Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. All great things take time. Don’t expect to accomplish AAC mastery or achieve success immediately.  Before you give up on a particular strategy, make sure that you have given your students many, many opportunities to practice.  Be persistent with the support that you offer too.  If your support is inconsistent, your student’s communication skills will be too.

 While these tips might seem simple, they truly work.  Whether you are new to AAC, or have been supporting students with complex communication needs for many years, make sure that you consistently practice these implementation strategies every day.  I guarantee you will see success.