The Importance of Sending the Device Home🔗

When a child receives an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, the common question is, “Should the device be sent home?” The short answer: YES! From a clinical standpoint, consistent access to communication across environments is essential for language development and overall outcomes.

 But when is the right time to send it home? Truthfully, the sooner the better (is the short answer)! 

 Now for the long answer: Let’s discuss why it is important to send a device home with the child.   

Where Does Communication Happen?  🔗

Communication happens everywhere. Communication is not limited to a speech therapy session or school. People who use spoken language will communicate at breakfast, in the car, at the grocery store, on the playground, at medical appointments, at bedtime. Spoken language happens everywhere. AAC should follow the same principles of unrestricted access.  

Anywhere a child would or could use spoken language, a child with an AAC device should have access to their communication.  An AAC device is an individual’s voice.  

Think of an AAC as an extension of an individual’s body. An AAC device is considered a piece of medical equipment, so it can be helpful to think of the device similarly to glasses, a wheelchair, insulin, or hearing aids. We would never ask a child to “leave your glasses at school.” AAC is the same. AAC is a tool that helps an individual access their world, express themselves, build relationships, and learn. It belongs anywhere they are!  

Restricting access to only school or at therapy can limit language exposure and communication opportunities. 

Why Sooner Is Better  🔗

Jane Korsten, speech-language pathologist, is often quoted in the AAC world for a powerful perspective on language exposure:

The average 18-month old child has been exposed to approximately 4,380 hours of oral language based on hearing about 8 hours of spoken language per day from birth. A child who uses AAC and receives speech and language therapy 2 times per week for 20-30 minutes would need 84 YEARS to reach the same amount of language exposure. 

84 YEARS! 

That comparison isn’t meant to be discouraging. Rather, it is meant to highlight the importance of unrestricted access to AAC across all environments (at home, school, the car, outside, etc.) and the importance of modeling on the device. Learning language is driven by immersion and repetition. Language growth cannot depend only on speech therapy. 

Individuals who use AAC require aided language input (modeling) across all natural environments. Just as neurotypical language learners receive thousands of hours of spoken input before producing words, AAC users require consistent modeling on their language system without the expectation of output.  

Model during snack time, at the park, at the grocery store, reading, brushing teeth, etc. Because modeling is key in all environments, AAC takes a village. This village includes speech therapists, educators, parents, friends- it takes all of us! Learn who is on an AAC team.

Common Concerns  🔗

It is understandable for teams, including speech-language pathologists (SLPs), to have concerns. Is the child ready for the device to come home? What if the child doesn’t use it at home?

Readiness is not a prerequisite for communication access. Communication develops through access and opportunity. Withholding a device can be well intended for promoting readiness; however, withholding the device across environments can delay skill acquisition.  

If the child is not using the device at home, or device use is limited, this indicates a need for increased communication partner training.

SLPs- we know you are busy. AbleNet is here to help! Our SupportHub is filled with resources for parents and educators alike. In addition, our Empowerment Team offers virtual meetings to discuss AAC implementation.

What About the Liability of Bringing a Device Home?🔗

It is completely understandable to worry about loss or damage to a device. We get it- life and accidents happen! At AbleNet, you don’t have to worry.  

• We will replace your device if it is lost, stolen or damaged, no questions asked  
• The device is covered during the ableEXPERIENCE (commonly known as the “trial” period) and for five years after the device is funded
  • Note: Our warranty is 5 years, as insurance typically covers a new device every five years

Communication Is a Human Right🔗

Access to a robust communication system is aligned with best practices and ethical service delivery.  

Speaking children have access to their voice at all times. Children who use AAC deserve the same access. When the device comes home, a child then has access to tell you about their day, joke with siblings, ask for snack, and participate in family routines.  

The bottom line is YES, the device should be sent home and YES, start it as soon as possible. Anywhere spoken language is used, AAC should be available.  

AAC intervention is most effective when it extends beyond the therapy room and into everyday life.