What is Inclusive Communication?🔗

Communication is the foundation for social connection and learning. As educators, it is our job to make sure that every student’s voice is heard, no matter the way they communicate.

Communication is a basic right. When students can express themselves, they can access their learning and build relationships.

Inclusive communication means that we welcome and support all types of communication, not just spoken language. That’s because communication comes in many different forms. It can look like facial expressions, gestures, eye gaze, behaviors, or using an AAC tool.

What Does This Look Like?🔗

AAC devices can be low-tech, like a communication board or book, or high-tech, like a speech-generating device. But no matter the form of communication, every attempt at communication is valid.

When we think about an accessible communication environment, students need unrestricted access to their communication tools every day. AAC devices should always be accessible, out, ready to go, and ready to be used. They are not meant for storing in backpacks.

We need AAC tools available throughout the school day in all the environments of a school because communication can happen everywhere. It happens in the hallway, in the bathroom, at recess, in the cafeteria, and in the classroom. All of these places are places where communication might need to happen, and therefore, a student needs access to their communication tools.

Strategies for Inclusive Communication🔗

You can help foster an inclusive and accessible communication environment by teaching communication through modeling. Use AAC as you speak, and you don’t always have to expect a response from a student.

Communication should be seen as a way to engage with the world, not a task, a chore, or a job to complete.

You can support students by giving wait time, honoring all communication attempts, and creating meaningful opportunities to interact with one another.

An inclusive and accessible classroom starts when we believe that every student has the potential to learn and the desire to connect and engage with the world.

Every voice, no matter the form, matters and deserves to be recognized.