Support augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) users
Communication is a critical component of learning. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports communication and language development for students who do not rely on speech alone to be heard and understood.
On this page:
Go to top of current page: Support AAC users
Go to top of current page: Support AAC users
Get specialist support
Get specialist support
Seek support from Ministry of Education speech-language therapists when you have students who do not rely on speech alone to be heard and understood.
This picture shows a core board with communication symbols.
Integrate AAC across the school
Integrate AAC across the school
Source: Ministry of Education Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
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Understand the role of AAC systems
Understand the role of AAC systems
AAC supports communication and language development for students who do not rely on speech alone to be heard and understood.
- Students may communicate non-verbally using an AAC system.
- Non-verbal communication systems use a variety of techniques including sign language, gestures, visuals, written communication, or specialised communication boards and communication technologies.
- Students who use specialised communication boards and technologies communicate by selecting from an increasingly complex range of communication symbols or choices.
- Some digital systems speak words aloud for the student.
Model commun­ication
Model communication
“Typically developing children learn language by hearing it spoken around them all day… But often we hand a non-speaking child a communication device and expect them to use it after a short demonstration.”
Source: AssistiveWare
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Support successful use of AAC
Support successful use of AAC
Support students who use AAC systems with guidance from the student’s speech-language therapist.
- Make sure the AAC system is consistently available, in and across settings.
- Model communication using their system.
- Respond to AAC communication promptly, appropriately, and consistently.
- Prompt ākonga to use their AAC system when making requests and expressing themselves.
- Help them to give language to what they are feeling, especially after experiencing challenges.
- Set up opportunities to teach use of the AAC system. Schedule daily practice sessions and embed opportunities throughout the day.
- Teach peers how to use the AAC system. If possible, give peers their own system.
Source: Adapted from Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) – EBIP (opens in a new tab/window)
Honour student contributions
Honour student contributions
Listen to students and honour their contributions.
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Useful resources
Useful resources
Supporting students with speech, language and communication needs
Outlines speech-language therapy support for children with speech, language and communication needs.
Publisher: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Atanz links and resources
Links to assistive technology products and information.
Publisher: Assistive Technology Alliance New Zealand Trust
Students with limited verbal capabilities can thrive in inclusive classrooms
Teacher’s story about supporting students using AAC. Links to video examples.
Publisher: Edutopia
Aided language stimulation explained
Video showing the importance of modelling language using modes the student uses, including using communication devices to model communication.
Publisher: Loudoun County Public Schools Assistive Technology
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Key areas to support”:
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Current page Support AAC users
Return to the guide “Speech, Language and Communication”
Speech, Language and Communication
How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Speech, Language and Communication
Strategies for action:
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Identify needs and how to provide supportShow suggestions for Identify needs and how to provide support
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Key areas to supportShow suggestions for Key areas to support
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Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8Show suggestions for Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8
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Helpful classroom strategies years 9-13Show suggestions for Helpful classroom strategies years 9-13
