1. Model, Model, Model

Modeling is the single most important thing you can do. It is the number 1 way students with AAC devices will learn language, and become motivated to communicate with it. Use any symbol system –like the student’s device or a low tech core vocabulary board—to model while you speak throughout the entire day. Focus on key words and no need to worry about full sentences. Keep it low pressure and don’t worry about perfection. Just keep modeling! 

2. Make AAC Visible and Available

Communication can happen at any time. AAC needs to be ready and reachable at all times. Create a dedicated spot in the classroom for AAC. Think of this as a “home base” where devices and other communication supports can live. The devices can have a charging station in the home base. Post visual reminders of different types of communication (like low-tech boards or AAC icons) around to help foster an inclusive communication environment and normalize AAC.  

Want a fun way to make sure the device is accessible? Check out  and participate in our Back to School AAC Challenge!  

3. Create Communication Rich Routines

Turn routines into communication opportunities. Communicaiton should be embedded in all classroom routines and activities, including arrival, morning meeting, transitions, snack time, etc. Communication should also be embedded in daily routines (arrival, transitions, snack, morning meeting, etc.). Plan out predictable opportunities where AAC can be used meaningfully. Model or prompt AAC use during arrival (“hello”), bathroom breaks (“go”), lunch (“eat,” “want”), transitions (“stop,” “wait”), and clean-up (“finished”). The more predictable and repetitive, the more language students absorb. 

4. Incorporate AAC Into Your Classroom Materials

Look for natural ways to integrate AAC into what you’re already doing. A few simple strategies include: 

• Post a core word board in high-use areas (e.g., “go” at the door, a full board in circle time). 
• Choose a “core word of the week” to spotlight across activities.
  • Check out our Core Word Bundle!  
• Model core vocabulary during read-alouds and shared reading. 
• Use a daily “question of the day” so responses can be prepared/programmed in advance. 
• Identify key vocabulary from your grade-level curriculum and collaborate with the student’s team to add it to the device. 

5. Respond to AAC as Any Other Communication

Respond to any and all communication attempts, in any communication modality. Just as you would respond to spoken words, respond to AAC attempts the same. Every communication attempt matters. Respond to AAC the same way you would to spoken language. Even if the message does not seem relevant, validate the effort. Communication is communication. 

6. Slow Down and Wait for Responses

AAC is a different language. Processing and responding with AAC takes time. Build in wait time after asking a question or giving a prompt. Silence can feel uncomfortable at first, but giving space for a response is key to supporting communication development. Be patient. Wait, then wait some more. 

7. Get Familiar with the Device

Communcation devices are packed with lots of vocabulary! Take time to explore the device and the vocabulary available. It helps to start by focusing on vocabulary available on the homepage and building from there. Many systems have helpful features such as ‘word finder’. Plan ahead by using word finder to search for key words to use during an activity.  

8. Collaborate!

Teamwork is essential. Partner with the student’s support team—speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and paraprofessionals—to plan activities, align goals, and reinforce consistent AAC use across settings. AAC success is most powerful when it’s shared and supported by the whole team.   

Check out our Multidisciplinary Team article for tips on collaboration when time is limited!  

9. Encourage Peer Support and Interaction

Create opportunities for students who use AAC to interact meaningfully with peers. Model and encourage classmates to wait patiently, take turns, and respond to AAC users during group activities, games, and classroom discussions. Celebrate all forms of communication. Help every student understand that everyone has something to say and that all voices deserve to be heard. 

10. Celebrate All Communication

Students express themselves in many ways, including gestures, facial expressions, vocalizations, signs, spoken words, and speech generating devices. Every form of communication is valid and important. Respond to all communication attempts with encouragement and support. When students feel understood, they are more likely to keep engaging and growing as communicators.  Building confident communicators starts with recognizing every way they connect. 

If you would like to schedule time for your team to meet with our SLP Empowerment team for additional tips, click here!