The beginning of the school year is always a busy time. From setting up classrooms to getting to know new students it’s a season of joy and new beginnings. Amid all the excitement, it’s essential not to overlook access to communication devices! 

Let’s make it fun and meaningful by introducing a friendly Access Challenge! Encourage staff to participate in a little good-hearted competition to ensure students have consistent access to their communication systems throughout the day. 

Together, we can ensure that every student has access to their device every hour. Use the chart provided to check off each hour the device was both present with the student and staff modeled its use. It’s up to you if you want to incorporate a prize for the team that models the most!  

Let’s make communication a priority from day one! 

The Challenge🔗

For each day of the school week at each hour, check a box if:

• The AAC device was present and ready to be used.
• A staff member modeled something on the device.

Additonal tracking information could include:

• Targeted core words
• Data Collection for Early AAC Users
• Data Collection for Progressing AAC Users

Back to School Tips🔗

• Set up a charging station in your classroom for devices. Make sure it’s in an accessible place for your user.
• Ensure staff know how to do a forced restart. If a device freezes or stops working correctly, a forced restart will likely fix it.
• Ensure staff know how to start and end guided access. Guided access ensures the QuickTalker Freestyle stays a speech device and nothing else.
• Make a plan to back up vocabulary files in case of accidents.
• Ensure there are lite tech backups for users in case a device dies or you’re in an environment where it’s difficult to bring a device.

Download Your Tracker!🔗