AAC Language Lab

Getting Started

The AAC Language Lab is a comprehensive web-based resource designed to support language development and foster meaningful communication through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

To get started, you can administer the newly updated AAC Language Skill Survey to identify your student’s current language stage—or jump right in and begin exploring activities right away. Lessons and activities are thoughtfully organized by language stage, making it easy to meet students where they are.

As you work through the Lab, you’ll be guided to either continue building skills within a specific language objective or move ahead to the next objective when your student is ready. The AAC Language Lab also includes homework cards and family-friendly resources to help support continued practice and communication at home.

How to Use the AAC Language Lab

While continuing to support clinical practice, the AAC Language Lab provides tools that reach beyond clinical environments to support communication and language development at school, work, and home. SLPs and Educators have access to a multitude of clinical and classroom lesson plans aligned to Common Core Standards. There are supplemental materials that also support a variety of Curriculums and other instructional supports.
The Activities section gives you access to fun, engaging games and activities that can be modified for all levels of language learning. So, no matter if your student is just starting out, or well on their way to becoming a competent communicator, these activities are easily adapted to meet their needs.
Our ever-expanding Resource section is a full collection of evaluation tools, therapy materials, language charts, literacy interventions, and we even have manual boards, word lists and vocabulary to download. Many of the resources are free of charge, providing an opportunity to explore these great resources prior to subscribing.
Our blogs features tips on implementation along with AAC success stories, and real-life stories from AAC Communicators in Action.

AAC Language Lab Guide The AAC Language Lab Guide supports planning and reflection when using the AAC Language Lab to support AAC users. It helps individuals or teams identify a starting point using the Language Skills Survey, select activities and resources aligned to the AAC user’s current language stage, and ensure appropriate supports are in place. The guide also includes the AAC User Snapshot, which you complete to capture a clear picture of the AAC user’s communication strengths and the supports that help them succeed. The guide is designed to support individuals or teams using the AAC Language Lab to support language development. AAC Language Lab Guide
Using Filters Discover how to use filters in the AAC Language Lab to quickly find lesson plans, activities, and resources that support language development. This video shows how to combine stages, filters, target vocabulary, and keyword search to narrow results and locate materials that match your learner’s current language needs.
Core Word Starter Lesson Plans The Core Word Starter Set is a collection of lesson plans designed to help you begin working with a new or emerging communicator. Whether a student has just received their device or is participating in a trial, these fun and engaging lessons are designed to spark interest and motivation to communicate. The lessons are based on the PRC-S 20 Core Word Starter Set and include vocabulary from a variety of parts of speech, supporting the development of phrases and simple sentences for students who are ready. Data Collection Sheets Please keep in mind that this is a fluid plan. You will be monitoring your student’s progress and modifying lesson plans in order to maintain your student’s motivation and progress.
Language Stages The AAC Language Lab is built on a strong foundation of research and information about language development, gathered from a wide range of trusted sources. Language typically develops through predictable stages, and understanding these stages helps guide meaningful instruction. The Language Stages within the AAC Language Lab support you in choosing activities that align with your child’s or student’s current communication skills while encouraging continued growth. By identifying where a learner is now, you can confidently support progress through the next stages of language development. Choose your role to begin learning how children develop language and how to best support their communication journey. For more information and a graphic overview of the Language Stages, go here
Skill Survey The Skill Survey allows users to quickly assess the stage of language that their student is in and how to determine when they are ready to move forward to the next stage. The compact report was created in simple easy-to-interpret terms so that inter-rater reliability can be as high as possible. No formal research was completed to determine its effectiveness, but anecdotal trials proved to be almost identical ratings for teachers, classroom assistants, therapists, and parents.

How to Use the AAC Language Lab

AAC Language Lab Guide

Using Filters

Core Word Starter Lesson Plans

Language Stages

Skill Survey

Where To

Lesson Plans

Activities

Resources