Communication Everywhere: Location-based communication support for schools & beyond
The need for communication is not limited to the speech therapy room. That goes without saying. When working with budding AAC communicators, one of the best ways to build engagement is to encourage communication is ALL of the locations that make up parts of their day.
Often, communicators are surrounded by different supporters as they move through their daily events. Wouldn't it be great if there was a simple way to motivate communicators and their different supporters to engage with AAC and inspire communication no matter their location?
That is exactly the goal of this new language support tool from CoughDrop.
Open the file to find seven location-based speech boards ready to print and display in commonly used sites for students and learners. There is an individual AAC speech board for home, classroom, bus, library, bathroom, lunchroom, and park or playground.
Each board displays 25 core vocabulary words that help to bolster basic needs and ideas in any situation. These word options are consistent on the boards for each locale to help create communication stability and offer access to commonly used words and ideas.
In addition, each speech board also contains 10 unique speech buttons with words that relate to the assigned location. This focused-fringe vocabulary provides language that fits the current circumstance for that speech board.
At the bottom of each printable board, there is also a QR code that can be scanned to reach a digital version of that same AAC speech board. This option allows the communicator to reach the necessary word options on their own device but also allows nearby supporters to access the same word set to model words and encourage AAC use.
While the printable and scannable speech boards are designed with AAC users in mind, they can also be used to support language growth for ANYONE in the location. These images can be used to reinforce words and meaning or could be used by others to ask questions or share ideas.
Look for chances to lead by example. Model simple words or phrases in routine opportunities for language growth.
Displaying these boards in commonly used areas also invites other supporters like aides, librarians, food workers, custodians, classmates, parents, and more to easily view and use AAC when communicating. This might serve are a reminder or even a motivation for others to recognize and use AAC in everyday moments.
We hope this readily available set of speech boards and buttons will encourage language learning and growth and will also facilitate communication in EVERY location. We hope this will help you build Communication Everywhere!
Get the FREE Communication Everywhere AAC resources here
