How to Promote Use of AAC in the Car

Our goal is to make sure AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is available wherever your child goes, including the car! Whether you’re heading out on a long road trip or just driving to an appointment or sports practice, the car can be a great place to support your child’s communication.

In this article, you’ll find tips for increasing AAC access and promoting device use while on the road. 

Make the Device Accessible🔗

The first step is to make sure the AAC device is physically available and easy to reach during car rides.
Here are a few tips to help with the setup:

Mount it Securely🔗

Try attaching the device to the back of the headrest using Velcro, a bungee cord, or a rope. Looping it through the device handle is an easy and effective method.

Use Lite-Tech Backups🔗

If the device isn’t within reach or runs out of battery, keep a lite-tech communication board in the car. These can be great for quick modeling or child-led exploration. Here is a quick article on how to make a lite-tech back up for your child. 

Encouraging Device Interaction on the Road 🔗

We know parents have a lot going on in the car, and AAC use doesn’t have to be formal or structured to be meaningful. Here are some simple ways to encourage interaction!

Focus on core words like go, stop, fast, slow, turn, and wait. 

Example: 
Parent: “Look at that car GO!” or “We’re at a red light—we have to STOP.” 

Play “I Spy” using the AAC device to describe and guess what others see. 

Example: 
Parent: “I spy something red.” 
Child (on device): “Car,” “sign,” or “light.”

Start with the letter A and name things you see outside. Your child can try to find the matching word on their device. 

Sing favorite songs and pause to let your child fill in key words using their AAC device. 

Discuss where you’re going, who you’ll see, and what you’ll do. Many devices are already programmed with names and places like Grandma or park. Look for those icons together! 

If you’ve packed snacks or toys, model choices on the device.

Example: 
Parent: “We have juice and cookies. What do you want?” 
Model words like eat, drink, juice, or cookie.

Siblings can be fantastic AAC partners, especially in the car. While you’re focused on driving or navigating, siblings sitting nearby can help model words, play games, or interact with the device user. 

Final Thoughts🔗

Making AAC accessible in the car is a big step toward ensuring your child always has a voice. Whether you’re modeling a few words, playing a game, or simply making space for your child to explore their device, you’re building communication in a fun, meaningful way. Every moment counts, even on the road! 

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