Helping your child communicate with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can feel overwhelming at first, but small, supportive steps can make a big difference. With simple modeling and positive experiences, AAC can become a powerful, everyday tool for your child.

This article will give you strategies to help you work with your child on communicating with the QuickTalker Freestyle (QTF). You can download the resource to hang onto at the end!

Simple Ways to Encourage AAC Use🔗

Here are practical, manageable ways to support AAC communication for your child throughout the day.

Exploring the QuickTalker Freestyle🔗

• Take the time to explore the QTF and the speech application for yourself. Your child will be learning primarily from you, so it’s important you know where everything lives.
• Make sure the QTF is fully charged and accessible so your child can communicate during any opportunity.

Customize the QuickTalker Freestyle🔗

• Consider turning on Guided Access to prevent your child from using the QTF as a tablet. Guided Access locks the device to the speech app so that it’s always available to be used.
• Take pictures of your child’s family and favorite things so they recognize the real-life images associated with the icon.

Model, Model, Model!🔗

• Keep it simple! Focus on modeling 1-3 words at a time. They are learning along with you; no need to overcomplicate it.
• Model use of the QTF during their favorite times of day and their preferred activities! We want to pair communication with positive experiences, so keep it fun!
• Avoid “testing” your child’s ability to use the QTF. Instead, model or show them how to navigate and communicate using the device while learning together.

Let Them Be Heard!🔗

• Always honor your child’s communication. If they request an unavailable item, acknowledge it and validate that you understand what they asked for.
• Once your child learns that communication is power, they will learn that they can functionally communicate using the QTF!

Support Communication at Home🔗

AAC doesn’t have to be complicated. By keeping things simple, positive, and consistent, you’re helping your child learn that their voice matters.

Download this resource to hang on your fridge at home or give to another member of the AAC team!