Create a quick, paper-based AAC backup book

It's always a good idea to think about just-in-case.

When it comes to alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) that just-in-case scenario probably includes the need for a paper-based copy of the AAC board set for communicators.

This hard copy version can be useful in case of emergency, power outage, loss of device, dead battery, or use in places that may not fit with an electronic option (think swimming pools, beaches, hiking, long trips and more).

Thankfully, creating a hard copy of your CoughDrop board set is simple and can be done in just a few steps.

Here's how:

1. Download the Boards

Open your the CoughDrop board set you want to use for your paper-based book, then select "print board" from the drop-down menu under "more."

This will start the process of turning your board set into a pdf file which can then be printed or shared. Depending on the number of pages in the board set and the size of the images this process can take a few minutes. Once the download is complete you can open the file for printing.

(You can find video help for printing boards on our support page here)

2. Print your pages

Once your pdf file is ready to go, you can open it and print the pages using the printer linked to your device or send the downloaded files to a third-party printer (like FedEx) for high-quality prints.

Look closely and you'll notice that speech buttons which open another board within CoughDrop have a number noted in the bottom corner -- this tells you which page to turn to find the sub-board linked to that button. It's like a map to help you get to the boards you need for communication so this paper version moves just like the board set you are used to in CoughDrop.

3. Protect & Organize

Once your AAC board set is printed you'll want to prep them for use. This may include laminating the pages or inserting them into plastic page protectors.

Once your pages are ready to go, you can:

• bind the set with spiral binding

• use a 3-hole punch and ring clasps or zip ties to create a flip book

• add the pages to a 3-ring binder

• just staple the corners of the collection to keep the set in order

• consider adding page tabs to your sub-boards so you can reach them even faster!

There is no right or wrong! Get creative, find the way that works for you and your communicator.

And your DONE!

Yup, that's it. Three quick steps to create a hard copy of your communication set for use whenever it is needed.