Let’s take some time to celebrate the moments that may seem small to others, but mean everything to us for Mother’s Day.

• The first time your child presses “more.”
• A shared laugh during bubbles.
• That moment when they find a word on their device all on their own.

These moments matter.

One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate these moments is by joining in and using their QuickTalker Freestyle right alongside them.

Here are a few simple ways to do that:

Model the Moment

• Use the QuickTalker Freestyle to share the excitement: “wow,” “fun,” “I like that!” This shows your child that communication is about connection, not just requests.

Pause and Appreciate

• Take a moment to wait, smile, and give your child space to respond.
• You don’t need perfect moments.
• You don’t need perfect words.

Just being there, joining in, and using the device together makes the biggest impact.

Because communication grows in these little moments.

And you’re already creating so many of them.

AAC Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and, most importantly, the children and families who use it.

For parents of children who use the Quicktalker Freestyle, we know that it’s more than a device. It is a pathway to connection, independence, self-advocacy, learning, and relationships.

Behind every AAC device is a child with something to say.

AAC can help children communicate their:

• Needs and wants
• Feelings and emotions
• Opinions and preferences
• Questions and ideas
• Humor and personality
• Relationships and connections

Whether a child communicates through a speech-generating device, communication app, symbols, gestures, signs, or another method, their communication is meaningful and deserves to be heard.

Presume Competence

A child may need extra time to respond. They may make mistakes. They may communicate differently from what we expect. That doesn’t mean they have nothing to say or they don’t understand.

Instead of asking, “Why aren’t they using their device?”, let’s ask: “What can I do to make communication easier and more meaningful for them?”

AAC Is for Everywhere

The Quicktalker Freestyle shouldn’t only come out during speech therapy. Bring it into everyday life: at home, at school, in the car, at the grocery store, on the playground, on vacations, at restaurants.

Some of the most meaningful communication happens during ordinary moments.

Parents Don’t Have to Be Perfect

You don’t have to be a Quicktalker Freestyle expert.
You don’t have to model perfectly every time.
You don’t have to turn every interaction into therapy.

Start small. Model. Wait. Listen. Follow your child’s lead.

Give your child opportunities to communicate, not just to answer questions, but to initiate, protest, joke, ask, choose, share, and connect.

Communication Is a Team Effort

Quicktalker Freestyle success isn’t solely the responsibility of the child. Parents, siblings, teachers, therapists, caregivers, and friends all play a role.

We can support QTF users by:

• Keeping their communication system accessible
• Modeling AAC throughout the day
• Giving them time to respond
• Listening to their message
• Respecting all forms of communication
• Creating opportunities for them to make choices and initiate

A Message to Parents

Your child’s communication journey is uniquely theirs. Celebrate every attempt. Celebrate every new word. Celebrate every initiation. Celebrate every moment they find a way to make themselves understood.

Don’t measure your child’s voice by the number of words they use.
Measure it by the connections, choices, participation, and independence those words create.

AAC isn’t about replacing a voice. It’s about creating more ways for a child to be heard.

Every voice matters. Every message matters. Every child deserves to be heard.

Everyone learns language a little differently. If your child is a Gestalt Language Processor (GLP), they may learn and communicate using chunks or phrases rather than individual words.

With the QuickTalker Freestyle, you can add phrases your child already uses or hears often, not just single words.

Think about the phrases your child naturally uses throughout the day:

• Let’s go!
• I want more.
• Where are we going?
• It’s my turn.
• I don’t like it.
• I love you.
• Ready, set go!

You can also add phrases from favorite songs, books, shows, or everyday routines that are meaningful to your child.

The goal isn’t to replace single words. It’s about giving your child access to the language that makes sense to them. Having both individual words and familiar phrases available gives your child more ways to communicate.

Many of our ableFamilies have found creative ways to incorporate their device in daily activities such as reading books! Using the device while reading encourages language learning, shared attention, and meaningful communication.

Turn Favorite Books into AAC Adventures

You can work with your SLP to create a page for each book that your kiddo likes to read and even add icons for each individual character. Some speech apps may even have pre-programmed book vocabulary. Use your device to fill in words from the book such as phrases or everyday words. You will be surprised how much your loved one is capable of!

You can also use the AAC Book Companion Resources created by our SLP Empowerment team to pair activities with some popular books!

Bedtime is full of opportunities to build communication, even as you’re winding down for the night. Whether your family keeps the QuickTalker Freestyle on until lights out or prefers to avoid screens before bed, there are easy ways to make AAC part of your bedtime routine.

Simple Bedtime Phrases

Use the QuickTalker Freestyle to wrap up the day. Before putting the device on the charger, model a few simple bedtime phrases:

• “Time for bed.”
• “Brush teeth.”
• “Good night.”
• “Love you.”
• “See you in the morning.”

These little routines help your child see that AAC isn’t just for asking for things; it’s also for sharing routines, feelings, and family moments.

Here’s an idea from another ableFamilies parent:

“Bedtime has always been a tough part of the day for my son. I created a folder on his QuickTalker Freestyle called ‘Bedtime Routine’ that walks him through each step. His favorite part is choosing a book before bed, so I added buttons for all of his favorite stories. Now he gets excited to pick which one we’ll read together!” — Casey, RI

Lite Tech for Bed Time

When it’s time to charge… keep communication going! Many families plug in the device before their child falls asleep, especially if they’re trying to limit blue light before bed. That’s a great time to switch to a simple low-tech communication board.

You might include words or pictures like:

• Good night
• Mommy
• Daddy
• Brother/Sister
• Water
• Potty
• Help
• Hug
• Love you
• All done

Keeping a small core board or bedtime communication board next to the bed gives your child a way to communicate after the device is charging. It also reminds them that communication doesn’t stop just because the speech device is resting.

Whether your child is using their QuickTalker Freestyle, a printed core board, gestures, or signs, every way they communicate counts.

You can also use your own speech app to create Lite Tech core boards!

The days are longer, it’s 100 degrees outside, and your kiddos are home from school. Summer can be a lot for parents to manage, and it can also be a big adjustment for our kids, especially when their structured days and routines are interrupted.

To help make things a little easier, we put together some fun Summer AAC activities you can try at home, on the go, or wherever your summer takes you.

It’s Summertime!

Check out these Summer AAC activities and download our Summer Fun Pack.

Summer is also a great time to take care of any issues with your QuickTalker Freestyle. Our 5-Year Warranty is here to help. If the device is malfunctioning, gets lost, or is taken, we’ll replace it.

The words our kids hear and use help shape how they see the world and the people in it. Using inclusive language at home doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s really about making sure every child feels seen, respected, and included in everyday conversations. Here are a few simple ways to encourage inclusion through communication:

Use language that makes everyone feel included

• The words our kids hear and use help shape how they see the world and the people in it. Using inclusive language at home doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s really about making sure every child feels seen, respected, and included in everyday conversations. Here are a few simple ways to encourage inclusion through communication.

Make sure the device reflects your child’s real world

• Your child’s AAC should sound and feel like their life. Add names of important people, favorite places, family members, and words that matter to your child and your family. Including a variety of relationships and everyday vocabulary helps communication feel more meaningful and personal.

Include others in using the device, too

• One of the best ways to build confidence with AAC is helping other people learn how to interact with it. Siblings, grandparents, teachers, coaches, family friends, and classmates can all become communication partners. When kids see others engaging with their device naturally, it helps communication feel more accepted, motivating, and fun.

Make space for participation

• Inclusion doesn’t always have to be something big. Sometimes it’s letting your child answer a question during group time, choose a game with friends, participate during community activities, or take a turn being the “helper.” Communication is about being part of the moment.

From a parent in our ableFamilies community:

“We’ve gotten other people in on it, too! We were able to teach his Bible class teachers how the talker works and now he gets to lead prayer in class, just like the other kids in his class. Inclusion is such a great motivator, and it’s resulted in him wanting to use his talker more every day!” – Lizzie M

At the end of the day, inclusion is really about connection. When kids feel included, communication becomes more meaningful.

Transitioning away from a favorite activity can be tough. Whether it’s turning off a favorite show, leaving the park, or putting away a favorite toy, your child may have a LOT to say about it!

Instead of only using the QuickTalker Freestyle to ask for things, model words and phrases your child can use during the transition.

Try Modeling

• “More” — when they want more time
• “Wait” — when they need a little extra time
• “No” or “I don’t want to” — when they’re not ready
• “All done” — when they’re finished
• “Help” — when the transition feels difficult
• “What’s next?” — when they want to know what’s coming

Get Ahead of the Transition

And don’t wait until the transition is already going sideways! Start modeling these words while your child is still enjoying the activity.

For example:

• You’re playing! In a few minutes, all done. Then…snack.”

The goal isn’t to make transitions perfect. It’s to give your child a way to participate in the transition and communicate what they’re thinking, feeling, and needing along the way.

Think about what you say during transitions and see if you can model some of those same messages on your child’s QuickTalker Freestyle. You might be surprised by how much there is to say!

Valentine’s Day is this week, and whether you’re all-in on hearts and candy or just surviving the week, it’s a great excuse to play with your QuickTalker Freestyle in low-pressure, fun ways.

Here’s a few low-pressure Valentine’s Day ideas you can try at home.

Heart Hunt: Hide paper hearts around the house. Model words like find, look, where, here, more, done, and I see.

Candy Choice Time: Use the QuickTalker Freestyle to offer choices. Include words like pick, want, not that, my favorite, and yummy.

Valentine-Themed Words to Model

You don’t need to add everything—just a few can spark lots of language:

• Love
• Heart
• Valentine
• Hug
• Kiss
• Friend
• Favorite
• Candy
• Chocolate
• Give/Get

Remember: modeling works even if your child doesn’t press the word after you. Hearing the word used in real moments is the win.

A reminder from one AAC parent to another:

You don’t have to do this “right.”
You don’t have to do it all.
One modeled word is enough.

We’ve had so many fantastic idea submissions come in, and two families have shared their amazing tips on how they use the device during mealtimes. Here’s a brief look at how the device can be a part of the family during family gatherings:

Thanksgiving is one of our favorite times of year, and mealtime has become such a special part of our day. We use our child’s communication device to make the experience fun, interactive, and low-stress for everyone. I keep the device close by during meals so my child can ask for more food, share what they like, or even pick what show we watch together while we eat.

To make things easier, I created a page called Today’s Food. Before each meal, I add buttons for the foods we’re having—like turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie—so my child can tell me exactly what they want without being overwhelmed by too many choices. It gives them independence and helps them take part in our mealtime traditions in their own way.

We’ve also added pictures of family members we don’t see often, especially those visiting for the holiday. When someone walks through the door, our child can tap on their picture to say hello or show they recognize them. It’s such a sweet way to help them feel included and connected to the people who make this season so special.

Since we started using the device this way, our Thanksgiving meals—and really, all our family meals—have become more relaxed, meaningful, and full of connection and joy. Please reach out to your SLP to learn ways how to customize your device.

Halloween with your QuickTalker Freestyle

Whether your child loves costumes, candy, or just seeing all the excitement, it’s a great opportunity to include QuickTalker Freestyle in the fun. Here are a few simple ways to help your child use their QuickTalker while celebrating:

Practice Halloween words ahead of time.

Many speech apps already have holiday pages built in (look for them in groups or categories)! This is a great place to create a special Halloween page in your child’s speech app or highlight seasonal vocabulary they might use. Add fun words and phrases like “trick or treat,” “candy,” “spooky,” “costume,” and “thank you.” You can even include specific costume names (like your child’s and their siblings’) to make conversations even more personal and fun.

Use the QuickTalker during trick-or-treating.

Encourage your child to use their device to say “trick or treat” and “thank you,” as well as to answer questions like “What are you dressed up as?”

Keep modeling throughout.

Use your child’s QuickTalker yourself to talk about costumes, decorations, or favorite treats. Every modeled interaction helps build confidence and familiarity. Before you know it, they will be doing it on their own.

• Pro tip: Use the search feature of your device to see if some of their favorite treats and candy are already included in your device!

Navigating questions from others.

Since Halloween tends to bring lots of friendly interactions, you might get a few curious questions while out and about! It can also be a wonderful opportunity to spread awareness and help others learn about AAC.

If someone asks about your child’s device, a quick, friendly response helps educate and normalize AAC. Here are a few easy ways to respond:

• That’s their voice; it helps them tell you what they want to say!
• It helps them share what they want to say, just like we do with our voices.
• It’s called AAC; it helps them join the conversation in their own way.

Simple explanations like these go a long way in helping others understand and celebrate communication in all forms.

Make it fun!

Take photos of your child using QuickTalker in their costume or at home celebrating. Share them with us, we love seeing your creativity and all the ways families make communication part of everyday life.

Wishing you a safe, inclusive, and spook-tacular Halloween!

On Father’s Day, remember that communication does not have to sound one specific way to be meaningful.

Whether your child uses speech, gestures, signs, pictures, or an AAC device, their voice matters. Every time you model, wait, encourage, and connect, you are helping them understand that their voice deserves to be heard.

Celebrating Fathers

Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the dads and father figures who show up every day, ready to do what needs to be done.

While not all dads can be as fun as Bandit Heeler or as wise as Uncle Phil, every dad brings something special in their own way.

They do not have to be speech therapists to support the QuickTalker Freestyle at home. That big dad energy helps create a home where connection can happen in all kinds of ways.

Being present, patient, and willing to make communication part of everyday life is all that is needed.

To all the dads and father figures out there, this one’s for you…

Why was the AAC device so incredibly popular?

It really knew how to spell success. (ba dum tss) 🤣

The grill is ready for burgers, family is coming in from out of town, and fireworks are about to light up the sky.

It can be a lot, but it can also be a great opportunity for your QuickTalker Freestyle user to connect with family members and explore new ways to communicate.

Happy Fourth of July!

You can keep things low stakes by simply preparing for some common communication moments. Adding words and phrases like “fireworks,” “too loud,” “break,” “hot,” “scared,” or “headphones” can be really helpful.

If you want to take it to the next level, give your kiddo a role in the celebration! They can use their talker to greet family, pick a song, choose a game, help decide what to eat, or say, “Happy Fourth!”

The goal is connection, not perfection

When it comes to communication, speech, gestures, signs, pointing, facial expressions, and AAC all count.

So have another hot dog, hug your Auntie Belinda, and enjoy the day. You deserve it!

Getting comfortable with your QuickTalker Freestyle takes time for both you and your child. If it feels overwhelming at first, try focusing on one small goal each week.

Make Bedtime Your Focus

Bring the device into your bedtime routine and model words as you get ready for bed, such as “pajamas,” “book,” “open” for the toothpaste, or “goodnight.” At the end of the week, take a moment to see how it went and decide if it’s a routine you want to continue.

You don’t have to master every button or make every outing a communication lesson. Just focus on getting comfortable using the device together.

The next week, add another place or activity. Small steps add up. Before you know it, using the device will start to feel like a natural part of your everyday routine.

Make it part of everyday life, not additional work.

Whether it’s putting toys away or feeding the dog – even the smallest jobs can be a big deal when they’re learning to do things on their own.

Try modeling simple words and phrases as you go.

• “Help”
• “My turn”
• “All done”
• “More”
• “Look!”
• “I did it!”

And don’t forget to give your kiddo a chance to celebrate their accomplishment, too. Model “I did it!” when they finish a job, whether they did the whole thing independently or helped with just one part.

Sometimes independence looks like doing something on their own. Sometimes it looks like making a choice, helping out, or telling someone what to do. Those little moments count, too.

So, find one little job your kiddo can help with, bring the QuickTalker Freestyle along, and celebrate that “I did it!” moment.

When you receive your QuickTalker Freestyle, you’re told it’s a medical device and should be used as your child’s voice. That sounds pretty serious, right?

Because of that, it can sometimes feel unsettling when your child starts pressing random buttons, some over and over again. You might even wonder if you’re doing something wrong. You’re not.

Giving your child the freedom to explore their QuickTalker Freestyle is one of the most important parts of getting started. One of the amazing moms in our ableFamilies community shared how they make exploration part of everyday life:

“We are a busy family and frequently on the go. We will put my son in his car seat and then give him his QuickTalker Freestyle using guide access during car rides. As he explores and clicks on buttons we try to integrate the words into conversation. As an example, he might click on “stop” and I will respond, “I am going to stop at the light.” It does not always work but definitely keeps us on our toes sometimes. This is a fun way for him to become more familiar with his QuickTalker Freestyle as we let him guide the conversation during car rides.”

Model Through Play, Not Pressure

Responding to the words your child selects is a simple way to practice modeling. You don’t need to create perfect teachable moments every time. Just build on what they’re already exploring and lower the stakes a bit, making it fun for everyone involved.

Learning through play is powerful. Give yourself permission to lower the pressure, enjoy the process, and celebrate the small wins.

The end of the school year is a great time to think about how your child’s QuickTalker Freestyle can stay part of everyday life, even without the structure of school.

Here are a few simple ways to keep communication going at home:

Use your QuickTalker Freestyle often during your normal day. Summer doesn’t have to mean a break from communication.

• Use the device during meals, outings, and playtime.
• Keep it nearby so it’s easy to grab and use throughout the day.

Talk about the transition. Big changes can bring big feelings.

• Use the device to talk about “last day,” “summer,” “no school,” or “different.”
• Give your child ways to share how they feel (“happy,” “sad,” “excited”).

Update for summer fun. Make sure the device reflects what’s coming next.

• Add or find words for summer activities like “pool,” “park,” “vacation,” or “outside”
• Include favorite foods, places, and people your child will see more often

Transitions Can Feel Big!

Keeping communication consistent can make things smoother for everyone!

Memorial Day is a time for cookouts, parades, and family gatherings, full of excitement and connection. With so much happening, it’s understandable if routines shift or the QuickTalker Freestyle speech device isn’t always top of mind. That’s okay! Here are a few ways to help everyone enjoy the day with confidence.

Feel confident bringing the QuickTalker Freestyle speech device to any event. Our Warranty Without Limits has you covered. Consider modeling these words and phrases during the holiday:

Word & Phrases

• At the cookout: eat, drink, more, hot, cold, burger, chips, or all done.
• During a parade: loud, music, go, stop, look, or fun.
• If your child is overwhelmed: break, quiet, help, or go home.

Invite your family to join in. Show them how the device is your loved one’s voice and encourage them to add their photos and names if they haven’t already. Remind everyone to offer choices, ask simple questions, and celebrate all forms of communication, without pressure or expectations.

Above all, remember: the goal for Memorial Day is access. Empower your child by ensuring their device is available whenever they wish to use their voice.

Having a hard time getting your kiddo to use the QuickTalker Freestyle? Well, this tip is perfect for you. If there is something your kiddo is excited about and wants you to do repeatedly, like a funny dance, a song, or a big hug, create a button for that action and model it with your kiddo.

See This In Action!

“We added the word ‘tickle’ to the device, and he has not stopped using it. At first, when we added it, I selected ‘tickle’ and proceeded to tickle him. I did that maybe five times, and on the sixth time he selected ‘tickle’ himself.”

What Makes This Method Great

It starts with you using the device and modeling the action without setting expectations for your kiddo. Because your kiddo loves it, they will begin to repeat the action independently. This is the foundation for building future use. It does not have to be perfect. It just has to be consistent and meaningful.

The only downside is you might need a new career with all the modeling you will be doing.

Let’s talk about a simple way to use your QuickTalker Freestyle in your regular life. Have you tried tacting or labeling the things you already see and use?

Tacting (commenting on the environment) and labeling (identifying items upon request) are both forms of expressive language used in ABA and speech therapy, and they can work great for your QuickTalker Freestyle user.

AAC Practice in Everyday Moments

It’s simple enough when you’re out and about. You can point out things like cars, trees, buildings, or animals. As you point things out, you might say, “Look, there’s a doggy,” and then have your kiddo show you where to find “dog” on their device. If your kiddo isn’t feeling up to showing you in the moment, go ahead and show them yourself.

You can also practice this with everyday items at home. Coats, toys, appliances, and other familiar objects are all useful ways to connect real items with the words on their device.

It does not have to be complicated. Small moments like this can help your child use their device in real life.

Finding FUNctional ways to use your device during everyday play helps communication feel natural, motivating, and FUN! Play doesn’t look the same for every child, and that’s okay! Your QuickTalker Freestyle can be part of whatever your child loves. Here are ideas for what words to use and how to use the device during play.

For Sensory-Loving Kiddos

Bubbles, sensory bins, and water play are all great ways to start.

• Model words while you play! Press “go” before blowing bubbles or rolling a car.
• Give your child a chance to request “more” or “go” by pausing and waiting.
• Use the device for comments, not just requests (“wow,” “pop,” “yucky”).
• Take turns pressing buttons so communication feels shared.

For Kids Who Love Movement

Swings, slides, and chase games are perfect for building communication.

• Hold the action for a moment and model “more” or “again” before continuing.
• Start and stop the activity with the device (“go,” “stop”).
• Let your child press the button that makes the action happen.

For Game Lovers

Board games like Pop the Pig, Pop Up Pirate, and Go Fish make great opportunities to practice.

• Model turn-taking phrases each round (“my turn,” “your turn”).
• Ask for help with the device (“please,” “pass,” “help”)
• Celebrate communication just like you would for winning the game.

For Imaginative Kids

Dress-up, play kitchens, and even toy cleaning can spark lots of language.

• Model action words while you play (“mix,” “eat,” “wash,” “hot”).
• Follow your child’s lead and activate words as they play.
• Introduce new vocabulary through imaginative play by picking a theme (“money,” “apple,” “thank you”).

“Each week, I pull out a toy my daughter hasn’t played with in a while and use it to explore her device together. One week, we used our Little People farmhouse and labeled everything — the farmer, tractor, animals, and even the sounds they make. We added the Old MacDonald song and practiced finding animals and sounds while we sang. Staying with one theme for the week helped my 5-year-old learn where to find buttons more comfortably. The next week, we moved to fruits and vegetables, then added colors once she knew where everything was. Using items we have at home during play makes it less overwhelming to find words when we need them in the real world.”
— Jennifer, NH

For Tech-Loving Kids

• Video games, apps, and screen time can be great opportunities to use AAC.
• Choose games or levels with the AAC (“this one,” “different game”).
• Model reactions during play (“uh-oh,” “again,” “that was funny,” “I won”).
• Pause between rounds so your child can make requests (“more,” “again,” or “my turn”).
• Let them direct you or others using the device (“go there,” “wait,” “help”).

For Athletic Kids

• Games like basketball, soccer, catch, and playground time are perfect for communication.
• Use the device to start and stop play (“go,” “stop,” “ready”).
• Let your child choose the activity (“soccer,” “bike,” “tag”).
• Encourage comments and reactions (“nice,” “missed it,” “again”).
• Use the QuickTalker to direct others (“your turn,” “throw to me,” “watch me”).

Some Helpful Tips for Success

• Keep the device close by, not off to the side.
• Model without pressure, they don’t have to copy right away.
• Think out loud using the device so they can see how it works.
• Pause and wait; those few extra seconds can make a huge difference.
• Keep it simple: introduce new vocabulary in bits and pieces.
• Participation matters more than perfection.

Play doesn’t have to be complicated. When your QuickTalker is part of the fun, communication grows naturally.

One way to incorporate toilet training with the QuickTalker is by adding an icon for it!

According to Simons Powering Autism Research, “Among 4- to 5-year-olds, 49 percent of autistic children were not toilet trained.” This is normal for someone like a 6-year-old who is just starting to understand the process, so don’t feel discouraged!

Thanks to the easy access of the QuickTalker Freestyle, they can begin to communicate their needs.

If you need help editing icons on your device, check out the Speech Apps support articles or FAQs to learn how.

Involving your family pet is a fun and natural way to help your child get more comfortable using their Talker! If you don’t have a pet at home, you can try this with a stuffed animal or a pet belonging to a friend or family members.

Try programming simple, familiar phrases like “Come here,” “Sit,” or “Good dog!” into your talker. Encourage your child to use these during playtime, feeding, or daily walks. It really builds their confidence, reinforces cause-and-effect communication, and creates more opportunities for them to use the talker in everyday life.

Plus, it’s a sweet way for your child to connect with their furry friend, and who doesn’t love a “good dog” moment? 🐶

Send us a pic of your “good dog” moments. We’d love to see them!

Adding a Word of the Day to your child’s QuickTalker Freestyle is a simple way to build vocabulary and boost confidence using the device. Pick one word, maybe something they’ll see or use that day (like zoo animals, buses, beaches, or mascots).

Add the word to their homepage or a favorites folder and try modeling it throughout the day. If every day feels like too much, go for a Word of the Week or Weekend. This is your game and you get to make the rules.

Pro Tip: Make it fun! Draw a picture of the word, act it out, or go full cheer squad when they use it. One word at a time really does add up and gives your child more ways to connect.

Life with an AAC doesn’t always have to be serious. Sure, we use our QuickTalker Freestyle for daily routines, communication, and learning, but sometimes it’s okay to have a little fun.

Have you tried adding a “Funny” folder or button to your child’s device? Every child is different, and they all have their own sense of humor. Discover what makes them giggle and lock it in.

Humor is a great way to build connections, boost confidence, and let your child express their personality. Some kids love silly sounds, others go wild for funny songs, and some might just giggle at a picture of people laughing.

The key is to tune into your kid’s sense of humor. What makes them laugh? Is it a goofy sound? A silly phrase? A perfectly timed “FART” sound?

Try adding in some humor when you can, and have fun with it. Load a silly sound or phrase and act totally surprised when you hear it. Bonus points if you’re dramatic about it.

Because at the end of the day, AAC is their voice, and every voice deserves a good laugh.

Words like “please,” “thank you,” and “no, thank you” help kids connect with others, and QuickTalker Freestyle users can learn them just like anyone else. With a few small changes, you can make these polite words part of everyday life.

Make them easy to find.

Check to see that words like “please,” “thank you,” and “no, thank you” are easy to access on your child’s device. If they’re buried deep, consider moving them to a spot your child can quickly and independently find—such as in a “social” folder or page.

Model, model, model.

Use the device yourself to show how and when to use polite words. For example:

• “Can I have a turn, please?”
• “Thank you for helping!”
• “No, thank you,” when declining something offered.

Turn it into a game.

Make practicing manners a low-pressure, back-and-forth game. Try offering something unexpected, like broccoli for breakfast, and then pause to model “no, thank you” on the device. You can also give choices between two snacks and model “please” when they request one.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s practice. Little by little, these small moments build confidence and connection. And we’re here cheering you on every step of the way.

Sometimes the best communication partners are already at home. Encouraging brothers and sisters to model the device during play makes communication fun and engaging for everyone. Here are some ways to do that:

Make the sibling the “fun model”
Invite the sibling to use the AAC device during play – not to teach, but to join in. They can press buttons to be silly (“uh-oh,” “again,” “that’s funny”) while building blocks, playing games, or singing songs. When siblings model in a playful way, it feels natural and inviting – not like work.

Here’s what other ableFamilies have shared
“We’ve started including our middle son when our youngest is using his talker, and it’s been so special to watch their bond grow. Our youngest really connects with his big brother and is more interested when he’s part of the activity. We do things they already love, like coloring or playing with blocks. Those short moments help him stay engaged and use his device to pick colors or items.”
-Marita, PA

Give siblings a helper role (without pressure)
Invite siblings to help by holding the device, turning pages, or asking fun choice questions like “Which one?” or “What next?” This gives them a job and helps them feel included, while the AAC user stays in control of the message.

“Having my son’s older brother model the QuickTalker during playtime or while singing songs has been a game-changer. Seeing his brother use it makes him want to join in.”
-Aimee, VA

If jealousy pops up, lean into fairness — not sameness
It’s normal for siblings to feel curious or even a bit jealous of the device. Try explaining that the talker is like glasses or hearing aids – it helps their sibling communicate. Giving siblings turns to press fun buttons or providing a low tech board for them to use can go a long way!

Little moments, low pressure and lots of fun – that’s where the magic happens!

One of the best ways to get your child interested and invested in using their AAC device is to celebrate every win. When they discover a new word or successfully express a need, get excited! Cheer for them like they just won the Super Bowl or the World Cup! That excitement matters more than you might think.

One of our ableFamilies members shared this: “When my son says something new, we invite people over so he can use his new words with them. It encourages him to keep going.”

That kind of positive reinforcement builds momentum and makes communication feel meaningful and rewarding. Simple moments like these help shift the QuickTalker Freestyle from feeling like a medical tool to feeling like a fun, empowering companion device, one they are excited to use on a regular basis.

Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Check out our resource on modeling and ways to help your child actively use their device.

If your child is a Gestalt Language Processor (GLP), AAC can be especially powerful when we intentionally build systems that reflect how they naturally take in and use language. Here are some simple ways to support your child side-by-side with their gestalt learning:

Add your child’s favorite songs, phrases, and scripts into their QuickTalker Freestyle.

Examples include:

• “Wheels on the Bus!”
• “Let’s go!”
• “I want more!”
• “Time for play!”

These familiar phrases act as meaningful, emotional, and communicative building blocks, giving your child language that feels natural to them.

Many Gestalt Language Processors like to have an easy-access folder for the gestalts, phrases, and scripts. If you need specific instructions on where this folder might best fit within your app, reach out to the SLP Empowerment Team.

Keep options open for mixing and matching.

GLP children love combining gestalts. Providing a variety of favorite scripts, songs, and characters encourages them to experiment and build longer, expressive combinations as part of their natural developmental progression.

Parents and caregivers are most exposed to single words on their kiddos’ speech app, but what if you are interested in getting phrases added to your speech app? This was an idea that was submitted by a member in Texas!

Phrases are an excellent way to promote social communication and provide our kiddos with an opportunity to express a bit of their personality. A simple route to incorporate more phrases into your daily life is by having your kiddo use phrases while playing with friends or family.

For example, if your child and their friend wanted to play with Play-Doh, example phrases that could be used are “Can I have it?,” “Your turn,” “Let’s share,” and “Thank you.” Some of these phrases may already be included in your device

Please consult your SLP on how to add or search for phrases in your speech app, or reach out to our SLP Empowerment team to learn more about adding phrases and the benefits of it.

If you end up trying it, I hope it brings your family the same kind of “little wins” it brought ours.

The kitchen is full of opportunities for communication: choices, actions, smells, tastes, and lots of chances for fun. It’s a perfect place to bring your child’s QuickTalker along for the ride.

Here are a few easy ways to make cooking time more interactive and meaningful:

Let your child choose what to make
Offer 2–3 options on the device: pancakes, mac & cheese, smoothies. Let them be the chef in charge!

Give them control over ingredients
“Strawberries or bananas?” “Sprinkles or chocolate chips?” Model simple choices so they can build it their way.

Find or add real kitchen phrases
Helpful buttons might include: “Stir,” “Pour,” “More,” “All done,” “My turn,” “Hot,” “I like it,” or “Yuck!” Real words for real moments.

Keep it moving
Model on the device while you cook. Don’t worry about perfect navigation—being part of the moment matters more than getting it right.

Let them comment on the experience
Give them a way to say, “Smells good,” “That’s funny,” “Too sticky,” or “I want more.” Cooking is sensory so let them talk about it!

It’s not about a perfect recipe. It’s about shared moments, choices, and communication along the way. Every stir, sprinkle, and taste is a chance to build language and connection. Let’s have some fun in the kitchen!

Birthdays are the perfect chance to make communication meaningful and fun.

Here are a few easy ways to include your child’s QuickTalker Freestyle during birthday activities, but still letting the birthday child stay in charge of the fun:

Let the birthday child choose the activity

Offer 2–3 options on the device (games, crafts, music, snacks) and let them pick. Choice = power, and birthdays are all about their choices!

Use the device for party decisions

Program or model simple choices so the child can run the show. Which game is first? What color plate or cupcake? etc.

Build birthday messages ahead of time

Find or add quick phrases like “My turn,” “I want that one,” “Let’s play again,” or “Open this!” so the device is ready for the moment. You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Our SLP Empowerment Team is here to help whenever you need support.

Sing, cheer, and comment

Find or add buttons for “Happy Birthday,” “Yay!”, “That’s funny,” or “I like it!” so the child can join in all the excitement. Remember: it’s THEIR day.

Follow the child’s lead, honor their choices, and celebrate communication in whatever way it shows up.

It might take a little time to get used to how the QuickTalker Freestyle speech device works and how to incorporate it into your daily routine. That’s totally normal.

Mastering the QuickTalker Freestyle doesn’t happen overnight, it takes patience and consistency. Keep using it, model the behavior, and celebrate the small victories along the way. With a supportive environment and regular use, your little one will be communicating their needs to you before you know it.

The QuickTalker is not only fantastic for communicating your child’s basic needs and wants, but it’s also a device that can incorporate your child’s favorite characters!

Your child can have the opportunity to tell another child about Bluey, for example. Bluey is a popular animated children’s show. In the speech program on your device, you can upload pictures of Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli, and create icons for them. These are the main characters of the show, and then you can add icons for what your child likes to do. These icons could be dancing, singing, or swimming on a “Likes” screen, for example. After the icons are added to the speech program on your device, your child will now have the opportunity to tell another individual that Bluey likes to dance, or Bingo likes to sing.

Enjoy any encounter where you could have your child express their personality to you, and to others. It’s a very special experience.

One of the best ways to help our kids feel confident using their QuickTalker Freestyle is by giving them lots of chances to make choices. It doesn’t have to be complicated, just consistent!

Here are a few things that have helped us encourage more choice-making at home:

Start with the good stuff!

Make sure your child’s most loved items (snacks, toys, shows) are easy to find on their QTF. Choosing between two things they really want is a great motivator.

Keep it simple, at first.

Begin with one or two choices — “Do you want crackers or yogurt?” As they get more comfortable, you can offer more options.

Build choices into your daily routine.

Use the QTF to let them choose what to wear, what to play, or which book to read. Little choices throughout the day really add up.

‘No’ counts too.

Hearing “no” might be tough, but it’s a valid and important choice. Saying no means your kiddo is using their voice, and that’s something to celebrate.

You don’t have to be perfect. Just keep offering chances and keep showing up. You’re doing great.

Does your child seem to crave sensory input like jumping, spinning, or touching various textures or do they become easily overwhelmed by sounds, lights, or certain sensations?

Parent Enthusiast, Jessica’s son is what you’d call a sensory seeker. Justin often needs additional sensory input to feel calm and regulated. It took her some time to recognize just how important it was for him to be able to express those needs in the moment. That’s why she was so grateful for the communication device he uses. It’s given him the ability to clearly tell her what he needs, right when he needs it—turning a stressful moment into one of calm and comfort.

His registered behavior technician even created a dedicated sensory page within his speech app, personalized to his preferences. This short 1-minute video highlights the icons that have been most helpful for him, like “tickles” and “spinning,” which allow him to ask for exactly what supports him best.

Saying “hi” and “bye” might seem like little things, but they’re big steps in building connection and confidence! These short interactions are great opportunities to help your child use their voice and be part of everyday social moments. Whether they’re just getting started or already using their voice regularly, here are a few easy ways to support them:

Things to Try:

• Model it often: When you say “Hi!” or “Good morning,” use your child’s voice too by tapping it on their QuickTalker speech device.
• Make it part of your routines: Greet the bus driver, say bye to siblings, or end a FaceTime call with a “See you later!” using their QuickTalker.
• Personalize it: Make sure their favorite ways to say hello or goodbye—like “Hey!” or “Later, gator!”—are easy to find and fun to use.
• Celebrate every attempt: Whether it’s a wave, a tap, or just a look of interest, it all counts! Celebrate the effort.

Using their device to send out a “hello!” or “see ya!” helps your child jump into the moment and feel like part of the crew. Those little words go a long way!

Looking for ways to get more personality out of your child’s device? We were inspired by a recent Facebook post from another ableFamily who mentioned that they use daily phrases on their device.

Parent Enthusiast, Jessica decided to give it a try herself and converted some of the single words on her son Justin’s speech app into phrases. He smiled when he saw he could now say “I want pretzels” instead of just “pretzels.” It helped him feel more empowered to use a full sentence instead of just one word, especially since he has fine motor delays.

She also programmed his favorite TV shows into the speech app, and one phrase he has been using more often is “I want Puffin Rock.” Now, he can make his own choices using full, complete phrases. Jessica could see the joy all over his face.

Jessica wouldn’t have thought to do this with his speech app until she was inspired by another ableFamily. Two things she will always stand by: presume competence and try new things! You just never know what may work for your own family.

For Gestalt Language Processors, Speech Language Pathologists recommend adding a folder for phrases they typically use, which can be helpful when starting out with AAC. Be sure to connect with your team to determine the best approach for your child’s individual needs.

To help her son with his reading, ableFamilies parent Nicole created a custom page on his device to go along with his favorite book, The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss.

Since he already loves the story, Nicole added many of the key words and phrases from the book onto his device. Now, when they read together, he can join in by tapping words and phrases as they come up. It makes story time so much more interactive and fun!

Nicole shared that while it took some time to organize the words, seeing her son’s excitement as he explored the finished page made it all worthwhile. This creative approach not only builds vocabulary and supports comprehension but also makes reading together even more fun.

If your child has a favorite book, this could be a fun way to bring it to life on their device and make reading time extra special.

Thank you to Nicole G. for sharing this creative idea with us!

Our kids might be little, but their emotions are huge. Through all the peaks and valleys of life, sometimes they just need a few words of encouragement. Have you ever thought about creating an affirmations page on your QuickTalker Freestyle?

This idea came from an ableFamilies parent, who added a special spot for affirmations under the Feelings section of her Talker.

“Our amazing kids need to know that they are kind, special, strong, smart, and all the things. So whenever my little man is struggling with something, we can click on the affirmations and remind him of all those things.”

We absolutely love this idea, and think it could be a wonderful addition to every household. If you’d like to set up something similar on your device, check out our speech app guides which are packed with tutorials and resources. Also, don’t forget about our CX Empowerment team! You can reach out to the SLP Empowerment Team to help you customize your QuickTalker Freestyle.