What is Modeling?
What You’ll Learn🔗
Understand what modeling is and how it helps AAC users learn to communicate using their device! You’ll also learn how to incorporate modeling into everyday routines.
Learning Goals
- Define modeling and its purpose in teaching AAC users to use their device.
- Explain how modeled language supports AAC learning.
- Demonstrate how to model AAC during every day interactions.
Course Resources
What is Modeling?🔗
Modeling is an evidence-based strategy that you can use to help your AAC user learn how to use their device. You, as the communication partner, will use the device yourself to show your AAC user how they might use it, too.
Modeling can be planned, but it can also occur organically. By using the device in natural interactions, we give AAC users exposure to new and familiar language. You can model by using the device by itself or by pairing with verbal cues.
What Does Modeling Look Like?🔗
Let’s take a look at what this might look like in practice. In the example below, the communication partner is modeling by speaking and pressing buttons on the device. The capitalized words are the buttons being pressed. You can also watch the video above starting at 00:37.
Communication Partner: Let’s EAT some popsicles. Do you need HELP?
User: NO
Communication Partner: No? Okay! You can OPEN, then.
User: *Attempts to open popsicle, but then* HELP.
Communication Partner: Okay! I can help you! Good job. I really LIKE popsicles.
What Should I Model? 🔗
Even in one activity, there is so much you can model, so don’t get hung up on modeling the perfect word. The most important thing is that our AAC users are getting exposure to language.
