AAC Technical Tips

Make the device accessible!

Make sure the student has access to the device at all times. If the student can’t reach it or see it, they won’t be able to use it. Look into cases, straps, stands to make sure the device can be taken everywhere.

“He was bringing his device to school before and it would stay in his bag all day. Nobody was getting him to get it out. And now, if he hasn’t got it, it’s like he’s missing an elbow or missing an arm”

Have a charger at school

Communication devices run out of charge and the more you use it the sooner the battery will run low. Bring a charger to school in the students’ school bag, or if possible, keep a spare one at school.

Dedicate your device

Give your device one purpose: For communication. If you’re playing games and watching videos on your device it loses its power as a communication tool. If you’re using an iPad a communication tool, you can lock it to your communication app using guided access.  For tips on how to apply guided access on an iPad click here.

“The child had the iPad, but wasn’t using Proloquo2Go. So there were games installed and there were YouTube things and whatever…and if it’s for communication as soon as you put games on it that’s kind of lost”

Protect your device

Give the device a protective cover.  You want the student to be able to take their device everywhere they go (except maybe the swimming pool!)

Have a low tech system handy

Technology breaks! When this happens (and it probably will at some point!) the student will need a back-up. This can be done by making low tech (paper based) communication aids. Take screen shots of page sets, or make up communication boards. That way the student will still have a voice during technical hiccups.

From 54 Tips and Tricks for Implementing AAC in the Classroom  copywrite Independent Living Centre WA 2014