AAC Everywhere: Using Devices Outside of the Home
When a loved one receives an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, families often wonder, “Should the QuickTalker Freestyle leave home?”
The short answer: Absolutely!
Giving children consistent access to their device means they have access to their voice in every environment they take part in.
AAC is for All of Life🔗
Communication happens everywhere—it’s not limited to a speech therapy session, school, or home. Speaking folks communicate at breakfast, in the car, at the grocery store, and more. Your child’s QuickTalker Freestyle access should be just as available.
Think of AAC as your child’s voice. Like glasses or a hearing aid, the QuickTalker Freestyle is a piece of medical equipment that supports access to the world. I
More Access = More Language Opportunities🔗
Parents and caregivers may also wonder, “When should my loved one start using the QuickTalker Freestyle outside of the home?” We say: the sooner, the better!
Jane Korsten, a speech-language pathologist, measured that the average 18-month-old child has 4,380 hours of oral language exposure based on hearing 8 hours of spoken language per day from birth.
A child who uses AAC and receives speech-therapy two times per week for 20-30 minutes would need 84 years to reach the same amount of language exposure (QIAT ListServe, 4/4/2011).
This comparison highlights why AAC access cannot be limited to therapy or school alone. Language grows through repetition, daily experiences, and meaningful interactions in addition to scheduled sessions.
When AAC is available everywhere:
- Children have more opportunities to express wants, thoughts, and feelings
- Frustration decreases
- Participation in daily routines increases
- Language learning becomes more natural and consistent
Easy Ways to Use AAC All Day, Every Day🔗
Learning language is driven by doing and repeating. Individuals who use the QuickTalker Freestyle require modeling across natural environments.
Here are a few easy ways to use AAC during the day:
- Snacks and mealtimes
- Car rides
- Grocery shopping
- Playtime at the park
- Reading books
- Brushing teeth
- Getting ready for bed
When you talk with your loved one, use the QuickTalker Freestyle to model what you’re talking about. You can invite others to model using the device. After all, AAC takes a village. Your village includes speech therapists, educators, family, and friends—it takes all of us!
Common Questions or Concerns🔗
What if my loved one isn’t ready?
New users don’t need to be “ready” to have access to communication. When children have unlimited opportunities to use language, they have more opportunities to succeed.
Learning language involves making mistakes and building vocabulary through experience.
The most important part of this process is to encourage AAC users to keep trying and celebrate their attempts.
What if the device is lost or damaged?
It is 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.
Thanks to ableExperience for Families, we will replace your device if it is lost, stolen or damaged, no questions asked. Once the device is funded, the QuickTalker Freestyle will be covered under a five-year warranty. So, communicate more and worry less!
Note: Our warranty is 5 years, as insurance typically covers a new device every five years
Communication is a Human Right🔗
Speaking children always have access to their voice. Children who use AAC deserve the same access. When the device is available, a child can tell you about their day, joke with siblings, ask for snacks, and take part in family routines.
The bottom line is: the device should leave the home as soon as possible. Anywhere spoken language is used, AAC should be available.
Written by Mara Jonet, MA., CCC-SLP CX Empowerment Team and adapted for families by Mark Randall, Parent Enthusiast
Related Links🔗
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