Tips for Getting Started with AAC

Let me preface this post by saying that *high-tech AAC is worth any and all technical difficulties that may come with it*… but as with all kinds of technology, stuff happens and we should always be prepared.

So, here are my top tips for getting started with AAC:

- Invest in a good screen protector and case. The AAC device is going to go along with the child in most (if not all) of their environments, so it's a good idea to plan for durability and provide additional support based on however the child is going to carry it.

- Enable guided access. This 'locks' the child into the AAC app and teaches them that the device is meant to *only be used for communication.* Games and videos can still be accessible to them, just on a separate device!

- Back up your vocabulary! All AAC programs will have methods for backing up your data (e.g., Dropbox, email, airdrop) and it's important to do that regularly! *When* (not if!) you run into tech troubles, you don’t want to lose all customizations you've made within the program!

by Halle Demchuk, SLP

Paediatric SLP | GLP-Trained Clinician | Owner of HAEPI SLP