Using+AAC+in+the+classroom

AAC stands for Augmentative and alternative communication that includes all forms of communication other then oral speech. It is used to express thoughts, needs, wants and ideas (Foreman. P, 2011, p.375).

Strategies on supporting the use of AAC in schools
 * The school should provide special AAC training for every teacher at the school who has a child using AAC in their classroom.
 * Teachers with a child who uses AAC in their classroom should have an experienced teacher’s aid present in the class, allowing the student to get the attention they need and the class to run smoothly
 * The school should provide the students requiring AAC with aided communication systems for them to use.
 * Teachers can assist students who require AAC in writing the daily schedule on the board every morning, and have a variety of pictures and words written around the classroom for these students to point to if needed.
 * The school can provide software programs that people with AAC can use such as clicker 5.
 * Teachers should educate other students on AAC so that these students feel comfortable when communicating and including the students who uses AAC in the classroom.
 * Students who use AAC should be assessed and evaluated continuously to ensure the methods they are using works best for them. (Worah, S. 2010).

Supporting the use of AAC in classrooms is very important as students who use AAC may feel left out and neglected sometimes. These strategies support the use of AAC at a whole school level, as they address what the whole school can do to support AAC in schools, what teachers can do and what students can also do to support the other students using these devices around schools.

Worah, S. (2010). // Augmentative and Alternative Communication //. Retrieved on the 5th July 2011 from [] Foreman, P. (2008) //Inclusion in Action//. Harcourt Australia Pty Ltd. P.370-382.