Back-to-School with the AAC Language Lab: A Year of Communication Growth Starts Here!
As backpacks are packed, classrooms are prepared, and therapy schedules begin to fill, many AAC teams are asking the same question:
Do we really know the AAC user beyond their goals, data, and assessments?
How can we learn what truly matters to the AAC user?
What information helps communication partners connect with an AAC user from day one?
Successful AAC implementation starts with understanding who the AAC user is, what matters to them, and how they communicate. Knowing their interests, strengths, communication preferences, and the supports that help them succeed can help communication partners create more meaningful communication opportunities throughout the school year.
This week, we're highlighting several AAC Language Lab resources that can help communication partners learn more about the AAC users they support, including the AAC User Snapshot, a new Getting to Know Me (AAC User) Activity, and the Getting-To-Know You Beach Ball from our Active with AAC series. We'll also explore AAC Ambassador stories and AAC Language Lab blogs that offer insights, perspectives, and real-life experiences from AAC communicators and their families.
Together, these resources help communication partners get to know the AAC user as an individual, learn from the experiences of AAC communicators and families, and discover supports and strategies that contribute to successful communication.
The AAC User Snapshot
One important component of the AAC Language Lab Guide is the AAC User Snapshot. This tool helps communication partners develop a shared understanding of the AAC user. The Snapshot captures information about the AAC user's strengths, interests, communication methods, communication partners, engagement preferences, and the supports that contribute to successful communication across environments.
The AAC User Snapshot encourages teams to consider:
- Interests, preferences, and motivators
- Engagement and participation across activities and environments
- Current communication modalities, including AAC and other forms of communication
- Important communication partners and settings
- Communication partner strategies and supports that work well
- Access, sensory, and environmental supports that contribute to success
When completed collaboratively, the Snapshot can help families, teachers, therapists, and support staff begin the year with a more complete picture of the AAC user and the supports that help them communicate successfully.
Getting to Know Me Activity (AAC User)
Back-to-school activities often provide opportunities for students, teachers, and staff to learn about one another. The AAC Language Lab's new Getting to Know Me Activity (AAC User) helps ensure AAC users have the same opportunity to share who they are, what they enjoy, and what is important to them.
Available in elementary, middle school, and high school versions, the activity uses age-appropriate questions to help communication partners learn more about the AAC user as an individual. AAC users can share information about:
- Their interests and favorite activities
- Important people in their lives
- Preferences and favorite things
- Personal strengths
- How they communicate
- Supports that are helpful
- Things they would like others to know about them
These activities can be used during the first weeks of school, in therapy sessions, or anytime communication partners want to build a deeper understanding of the person they are supporting.
Active with AAC: Getting-To-Know You Beach Ball
Looking for a more active way to build connections?
The Getting-To-Know You Beach Ball from our Active with AAC series turns getting-to-know-you questions into a fun, movement-based communication activity. As students toss and catch the beach ball, they answer questions that encourage conversation, social interaction, and sharing information about themselves.
This activity is a great option for:
- Back-to-school introductions
- Getting to know a new AAC user or client
- Social groups
- Practicing asking and answering questions
- Building communication opportunities while moving away from the table
The activity can be easily adapted by changing the questions or creating multiple beach balls with different themes and communication targets. It's a simple, engaging way to learn more about AAC users while supporting communication and participation.
Learning from AAC Communicators: The PRC-Saltillo Ambassadors
One of the most valuable ways to learn about AAC is by listening to people who use it every day.
The PRC-Saltillo Ambassador Program showcases individuals who actively use PRC-Saltillo communication systems. Ambassadors use a variety of communication devices, access methods, and language systems, and each has a unique story to share.
Their experiences provide communication partners, families, and professionals with valuable insights into AAC in everyday life. Through their stories, communication partners can learn about perspectives, experiences, challenges, accomplishments, and possibilities.
For many families, meeting an AAC user who is successfully communicating, participating, and pursuing personal goals can be incredibly meaningful.
After attending an AAC Group Coach session featuring AAC Ambassador Mateo Moreno, one parent shared:
"He gave me hope for my son."
Sometimes the most meaningful lessons about AAC come directly from AAC communicators themselves. Their stories remind us of what is possible when individuals have access to communication, supportive communication partners, and opportunities to share their voices.
AAC Language Lab Blogs: Learning from Real Experiences
The AAC Language Lab blog is another valuable resource for communication partners looking for practical ideas, implementation strategies, and inspiration.
Our blogs feature implementation tips, AAC success stories, and real-life experiences from AAC communicators and their families.
Blog categories include:
Making AAC Work
Practical articles focused on AAC implementation, communication partner strategies, and creating meaningful communication opportunities across settings.
Communicators in Action
Stories featuring AAC users and their families that highlight communication journeys, accomplishments, and experiences.
Life with Kyle
A unique perspective from AAC Ambassador Kyle Van Acker, who shares insights and experiences from life as an AAC communicator.
These stories help bring AAC to life by connecting strategies and supports to real people and real experiences.
A Back-to-School Tip
Start with connection before planning.
Goals, lesson plans, and instructional targets are important, but meaningful AAC implementation begins with understanding who the AAC user is, what matters to them, and the supports that help them succeed. Taking time to build that understanding at the beginning of the year creates a stronger foundation for communication, participation, and learning.
Ready to Learn More?
The beginning of the school year is the perfect time to strengthen relationships, build shared understanding, and learn from the experiences of AAC communicators and their families.
Resources like the AAC User Snapshot, Get to Know Your AAC User activity, AAC Ambassador stories, and AAC Language Lab blogs can help communication partners start the year with greater insight, stronger connections, and practical ideas for supporting communication throughout the year.
The plan is in place. You've taken time to get to know the AAC user. Next comes the fun part: bringing communication to life through meaningful activities, lessons, and everyday interactions. Join us next week as we explore AAC Language Lab lesson plans, activities, and communication partner strategies.
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