When selecting a grid size for a client using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), it is crucial to consider their visual and motor skills, while also thinking about their long-term communication needs. The goal is to choose a grid size that will support the client’s future communication abilities—starting with the grid they will need in the future, not just what seems easiest right now. 

It might seem intuitive to start with a smaller grid to simplify things, but this can often be counterproductive in the long run. Instead, providing a larger grid with icons that the user can easily access both visually and motorically is key to their success. 

Why a Larger Grid is Beneficial for AAC Users 

Here are some key reasons why a larger grid is often more effective than starting small: 

1. Motor Planning:
   • When AAC users and caregivers learn the system, motor memory starts to play an important role. Just like you can quickly open your favorite app without thinking about where it is on your phone, an AAC user will begin to rely on motor memory to access words. 
2. Less Navigation: 
   • A larger grid allows more words to fit on a single screen, reducing the need to navigate through multiple pages or screens. With a small grid (e.g., only 4 icons), users may need to press multiple buttons to produce a single message, leading to slower communication. 
   • With fewer hits needed to access a word or phrase, the process becomes faster and more efficient. This not only benefits the user but also helps caregivers model more effectively, especially for children or users with short attention spans. 
3. Access to More Vocabulary: 
   • A larger grid provides more icons, which means more vocabulary is available to the user. This is especially important for children, as they need access to a wide variety of words to learn, use, and incorporate into their communication. If a grid is too small, there won’t be enough vocabulary for the user to explore, making it harder for them to expand their language skills. 

What If a Client Still Needs Fewer Icons?

While starting with a larger grid is often recommended, there are instances where a client may truly benefit from exposure to less icons at a given time. For example, some users may find large grids visually overstimulating, they are fine tuning direct selection skills, or your clinical judgement is that they would progress with less icons when introducing the system.

Use Hiding or Masking Features: 

Most AAC apps allow you to hide or mask icons, which can help reduce clutter on the screen while maintaining the motor plan. This means that you can simplify the display by hiding icons temporarily, without changing their locations on the grid.

Many AAC apps offer a vocabulary builder or filter feature, and some allow you to select and hide multiple icons at once. This gives you the flexibility to adjust the display while still ensuring that the user is familiar with the system’s layout and motor plan. 

Tip: Check out our support hub for more information on how to use these customization options! 

Considerations for Clients with Complex Access Needs:

When working with clients who have complex access needs, it’s important to determine the most appropriate access method for them, which may include other options such as the use of switches/scanning or eye gaze. 

Visual Impairments:

If a client has a visual impairment, you may need to adjust the grid size to better accommodate their needs. This could mean opting for a smaller grid or using high-contrast symbols to make icons easier to distinguish. 

Modifications for Direct Selection:

If a client struggles with direct selection (i.e., tapping the icons on a touchscreen), you might consider alternative access tools like styluses, keyguards, or positioning adjustments. 

You can also experiment with settings such as dwell time, select-on-release options, or increasing the space between buttons to make it easier for the user to select icons. 

Need Help with Programming? 

By keeping these principles in mind, you’ll be able to choose a grid size that helps your AAC user communicate efficiently, effectively, and with as much vocabulary as they need. 

If you need assistance customizing AAC settings for your client’s specific needs, our AbleCARE SLP Empowerment team is here to help! Feel free to reach out for support with programming your speech apps to suit your client’s abilities best. 

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: 651-294-3101 

Schedule a Meeting: https://go.oncehub.com/ablecareslp