Whether there is one student or several students using AAC in the classroom, finding meaningful ways to incorporate devices into daily activities can be challenging. With the many demands of teaching, AAC implementation may feel like just one more task to add to an already full plate. By building a few simple systems and routines into the classroom environment, AAC can become a more natural and sustainable part of the day.

Practical Tips for Classroom Routines Around AAC🔗

The following tips can help support successful AAC implementation while reducing the need for constant planning and problem-solving.

Add Lite-Tech Boards and Other Visuals🔗

Your SLP is probably always telling you to model, model, model! In a busy classroom, it can be difficult to get over to a device to do this. That’s where lite-tech communication boards or other visuals can come in handy!

• Print the home page of a student’s AAC system and post copies near centers, small-group areas, or frequently used classroom spaces for quick access during instruction and activities.
• Print off specific icons and post them near a door. Point to them as you head out for activities.
• Print off pictures of the AAC device to remind students and staff to keep the device available throughout the day.

Set Up a Charging Station🔗

One of the most important steps in supporting AAC use is ensuring that devices are ready when needed. Discovering that a device is out of battery during a lesson or communication opportunity can be frustrating for everyone involved.

Creating a designated charging station can keep a device readily available when its charging. This also creates a routine that help students and staff know where the device is at all times.

• Use a desktop file organizer, tablet stand, or pot lid rack to keep devices organized while charging.
• Post a visual reminder near cubbies, lockers, or backpack hooks encouraging students and staff to check device battery levels when arriving at school.
• Establish a consistent routine for charging devices at the end of each day.
• If possible, get portable chargers so students can charge at their desk or on the go and still have access to their device!

Get Familiar With the Device🔗

AAC devices are powerful communication tools, but the technology can feel overwhelming for classroom staff who are unfamiliar with the systems. Taking a few proactive steps can increase confidence and reduce stress when challenges arise.

• Ask your SLP for a one-page cheat sheet for a student’s device. It should have information on it like how to turn it on and off, what the speech app is called, where to find guided access, and more!
• Have a troubleshooting cheat sheet ready with common fixes such as a forced restart but always know when to reach out to your SLP for support!
• Talk with your SLP about having a plan for backing up vocabulary files in case something gets accidentally deleted.

Don’t Recreate the Wheel, Improve It!🔗

AAC implementation does not have to be complicated. Small changes to classroom routines and environments can make a significant difference in supporting communication throughout the school day.