Accommodations Parents Can Request

Every setting is unique, but the goal remains the same: AAC is a voice that deserves consistent access and support. Meaningful inclusion happens when your kiddo’s voice is not only available but encouraged, modeled, and valued across all environments. The examples provided here are simply a starting point to help you advocate for IEP accommodations that promote communication growth, independence, and authentic participation throughout your kiddo’s school day.

Example Accommodations: 🔗

• My child will have unrestricted access to their AAC device/system across all environments, including but not limited to the classroom, therapy, cafeteria, playground, field trips, and assemblies.
• My child will have consistent access to a low-tech or backup AAC system(s) (e.g., communication board, printed core vocabulary) during times when the primary AAC device is unavailable, such as during charging or technical issues.
• The AAC system will be mounted (e.g., on a wheelchair, desk, or stand) in a way that ensures my child can access it independently and consistently throughout the school day.
• A designated staff member or responsible peer will help to ensure my child’s AAC device is carried and transported between locations in a way that ensures they can have access to independent communication.
• Staff will monitor my child’s device battery level throughout the day. As needed, staff will have access to a charging station /area to ensure device functionality throughout the day. 
• The volume on the AAC device will remain on at all times and set to an appropriate level to ensure my child can be heard in various environments (e.g., classroom, cafeteria, playground).

Communication is more than just words. It’s about connection, expression, and being understood. To create more authentic and meaningful interactions It’s important to empower your kiddo to use whatever communication methods works best for them in the moment, no matter what the communication method. Honoring all forms of communication helps build trust, reduces frustration, and supports your child’s growth as a confident communicator.

Communication Opportunities in Routines

Example Accommodations: 🔗

• Staff will provide my child with daily, natural communication opportunities embedded across routines, academic activities, social interactions, and unstructured times.
• My child’s lessons will include opportunities for my child to respond and participate using their AAC system.
• Staff will preload and model relevant vocabulary on my child’s AAC device related to lesson content, classroom discussions, and school events to support meaningful participation.

Behavior and Emotional Regulation Supports  

When emotions are heightened, communication can become more challenging. Behavior can also be a way of communicating frustration or other emotions. Access to alternative or supplemental forms communication is essential, especially for your kiddo who rely on AAC. This will allow them to have safe ways to communicate or quick access to self-advocacy phrases or choose helpful sensory regulation strategies in times of need. 

Example Accommodations: 🔗

• My child will have access to emotion words, self-advocacy phrases (e.g., ‘I need a break,’ ‘I don’t like that’,) and sensory choices within their AAC system or visual supports. Staff will ensure my child has easy access to these in times of dysregulation or heightened emotion.
• During times of dysregulation, behavior challenges, or frustration, staff will honor my child’s preferred method of communication and provide AAC (including visuals, device, etc.) to support emotional identification, safe expression of needs, self-advocacy phrases and/or co-regulation strategies.

Student-Centered Vocabulary and Personalization  

Example Accommodations: 🔗

• My child’s device will be updated regularly (I.e., 1x per month, 1x per quarter) by designated staff, with personally relevant vocabulary such as classmate names, class topics, etc.
• My child will have access to vocabulary, via AAC, such as social language, slang, and humor appropriate for student’s age and peer group
• My child’s device/vocabulary will be backed up regularly (I.e., 1x per month) in order to ensure access to customized vocabulary in the event lost or damaged device.